Principal Software Engineer (Embedded)

TL;DR

Principal Software Engineer (Embedded): Lead and develop functional software for unmanned aircraft, payloads, and robotic systems with an accent on integration of sensors, embedded processors, and autopilots. Focus on designing, coding, testing, and debugging scalable system software for prototypes, production, and flight test environments.

Location: Moorpark, CA. U.S. person required (ITAR compliance, U.S. Citizenship or green card; ability to obtain security clearance). Periodic travel for testing.

Salary: $147,000 - $208,425

Company

Premier U.S. autonomous systems company delivering AI-powered drones, loitering munitions, and integrated autonomy for defense across air, land, sea, space, and cyber.

What you will do

• Write and test software for integrating sensors, autopilots, payloads, software-defined radios into aircraft and robotic systems.
• Design and implement software for prototypes and products using industry tools, ensuring configuration control.
• Lead system requirements, test plans, diagnostic tools, validation testing, and hardware recommendations.
• Develop rapid prototypes, estimate timelines, scope development to fit budgets, and support production transitions.
• Collaborate with engineering disciplines, conduct design reviews, and contribute to software processes.
• Handle unique issues requiring analysis of intangibles and proof-of-concept demonstrations.

Requirements

• U.S. person per ITAR (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or protected individual); ability to work on government contracts and obtain security clearance.
• BS in Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or related (or equivalent).
• 12-15+ years relevant experience; proficient in Python, C, C++11/STL, OpenCL.
• Experience with IDEs (Visual Studio, Eclipse), defect tracking, protocols (RS-485/232, CAN, I2C, SPI, USB).
• Strong mathematical/analytical skills; troubleshooting systems.
• Ability to work long irregular hours, weekends, holidays during deadlines and field tests; periodic travel.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree.
• Test Driven Development (TDD), unit testing, automated builds/tests/deployment.
• Object-oriented/multi-threaded programming; tools like JIRA, SVN/Bitbucket/GitLab.
• STM32 processors, RTOS (µC/OS, freeRTOS), Video 4 Linux, Embedded Linux/ARM drivers, ROS.
• Electronics knowledge, lab equipment; leadership/communication skills.

Culture & Benefits

• 9/80 work schedule and paid holiday shutdown.
• Medical, dental, vision insurance; 401K with company matching.
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with small teams sharing duties.
• Emphasis on curiosity, relentlessness, mission-focus, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Office and R&D setting; standing/sitting for long periods, using computer/telephone.