Embedded Software Engineer III (PX4 Firmware)

TL;DR

Embedded Software Engineer III (PX4 Firmware): Developing and maintaining custom PX4 autopilot firmware for autonomous aerial platforms with an accent on flight control algorithms, sensor integration, and simulation environments. Focus on building SITL/HITL testing frameworks, implementing custom flight modes, and integrating ROS2-based autonomy stacks.

Location: San Luis Obispo, California. Must be eligible to work in the United States (E-Verify).

Salary: $148,000 - $179,000 USD

Company

A technology company redefining unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) through autonomous solutions for the defense and aerospace sectors.

What you will do

• Develop, modify, and maintain custom PX4 firmware modules, including custom flight modes and navigation algorithms.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and payloads using the PX4 driver and uORB message framework.
• Build and manage SITL (Software-in-the-Loop) and HITL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) simulation environments for validation.
• Maintain build infrastructure and cross-compilation environments for ARM Cortex-M target architectures using CMake and Make.
• Integrate PX4 with companion computers running ROS2-based autonomy stacks via MAVLink and UART protocols.
• Support flight test operations, including pre-flight checks, log collection, and post-flight analysis.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 4-6+ years of experience in embedded software development for real-time systems.
• Strong proficiency in C and C++ for embedded systems programming.
• Hands-on experience with PX4 autopilot firmware architecture and development.
• Deep understanding of ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers and embedded debugging tools.
• Must be eligible to work in the US and pass E-Verify verification.

Nice to have

• Experience with multi-rotor or fixed-wing UAV flight dynamics and control.
• Familiarity with ROS2 and companion computer integration architectures.
• Knowledge of Kalman filtering (EKF/UKF) and inertial navigation systems.
• Experience with UART, SPI, I2C, and CAN bus protocols.
• Proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and data analysis.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401k plan with company match.
• 4 weeks of paid time off per year plus 12 annual company holidays.
• Innovative environment working on cutting-edge defense and aerospace technology.
• Collaborative team culture with opportunities for professional development and career growth.