Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration

What You'll Do

• Develop and integrate autonomy software for V-BAT and X-BAT, including mission behaviors, platform-specific control (including VTOL transitions), payload and sensor integration (e.g., ViDAR, EO/IR), multi-agent coordination, contingencies, and executive autonomy. Own major features from software-in-the-loop through live flight testing.
• Collaborate closely with the Aircraft team to integrate autonomy capabilities, validate platform interfaces, coordinate hardware/software compatibility, and support release readiness.
• Partner with Autonomy Capabilities, Perception, GCS, Strategic Systems (ACP), feature crews, and customer stakeholders to deliver integrated mission capabilities.
• Provide technical leadership: own significant features or subsystems, drive technical execution, mentor teammates, and contribute to design reviews and integration planning.
• Build, configure, validate, and prepare mission-ready systems while ensuring software, hardware, and operator workflows are ready for deployment.
• Support flight tests, customer demonstrations, operator training, and deployment events through system bring-up, troubleshooting, and mission execution.
• Diagnose integration issues across autonomy software, payload computers, embedded systems, and platform interfaces using simulation and operational testing.
• Analyze mission data, drive root-cause analysis, and build tools and processes that improve integration efficiency and mission reliability.
• Implement and validate interfaces with GCS and command-and-control systems while supporting compliance with STANAG 4586, UCI, and OMS.

Required Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent advanced degree experience).
• Strong C++ development experience in real-time or embedded systems.
• Experience with Linux-based development and embedded systems.
• Experience integrating complex software systems and troubleshooting across hardware/software boundaries.
• Experience supporting system integration, testing, or field events.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with unmanned aircraft or autonomous systems.
• Experience with autonomy software, robotics, or vehicle control.
• Experience with payload or sensor integration.
• Python, Docker, CMake/Conan, or CI/CD experience.
• Experience with military test events or defense customers.