Senior Software Engineer, Autonomous Pilot Integration

What You'll Do

Develop & Field Autonomy — Develop & integrate autonomy software solutions onto unmanned platforms (air, maritime, space, or effects/expendables), including payload computer bring-up, container-based deployment (e.g., k3s/k3d), and configuration across onboard compute, sensors, and command-and-control interfaces.

Collaboration Across Teams — Work closely with the Autonomy Capabilities team (motion planning, tactics), the Perception team, feature crews, and external partners (platform integrators, vehicle/autopilot control vendors, C2 providers) to deliver and validate mission-critical functionality on time.

Pre-deployment Preparation — Own the build, configuration, and validation process for mission-ready systems; coordinate hardware/software compatibility, mission readiness, and release cadence with capability and feature teams.

On-site Test & Mission Support — Travel to test sites and support live mission operations (flight tests, range exercises, on-water trials, integration events), including safety checks, system bring-up, and troubleshooting under time-critical constraints.

Hardware/Software Debugging — Diagnose and resolve integration issues across complex autonomy stacks, payload computers, and embedded systems in lab and field environments — including memory, CPU, and timing profiling under operationally-representative loads.

Mission Data & Debrief Support — Capture mission and test data, reproduce issues in simulation, and partner with autonomy capability owners to drive fixes back into the next build.

Continuous Improvement — Build tools and processes to improve integration timelines, test/mission reliability, and team efficiency across deployment cycles.

C2 Interoperability & Standards — Implement and validate compliance with command-and-control standards (e.g., A-GRA, UCI, OMS) and coordinate with C2 providers on interface contracts and integration milestones.

Required Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and/or similar degree, or equivalent practical experience
• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 4 years and a Master's degree; or 2 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience
• Proficiency in C++, with experience developing or integrating real-time or latency-sensitive systems
• Proficiency in Linux-based development and experience working with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics
• Familiarity with middleware, pub-sub, or IPC frameworks used in autonomy or robotics systems (e.g., DDS, ActiveMQ)
• Hands-on experience supporting demos, exercises, or field/mission tests for unmanned or autonomous systems
• Experience with autonomy simulation environments for testing and validation
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance across the full stack
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience supporting uncrewed systems (air, maritime, space, ground, or effects/expendables) or similar field test campaigns
• Proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and analysis
• Familiarity with autonomy stacks, motion planning, or vehicle-control integration
• Competence in vehicle electronics bring-up (avionics, spacecraft buses, or vessel control), payload computer integration, or hardware-in-the-loop debugging
• Experience with container orchestration (e.g., k3s, k3d, Docker) on embedded or payload compute
• Familiarity with platform control / autopilot stacks (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot, spacecraft flight software, vessel autopilots)
• Proficiency in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing
• Build-system experience (e.g., Conan, CMake) and CI/CD pipeline familiarity
• Comfortable interfacing with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews
• Experience with C2 standards such as A-GRA, UCI, or OMS
• Familiarity with government-furnished simulation environments (e.g., AFSIM, NGTS) is a plus

Travel Requirement — Members of this team typically travel around 10-20% of the year (to different office locations, customer sites, and integration/test events).