C++ Embedded Software Engineer (Drone Stack)

• As a Robotic Software Engineer, you will design and integrate complex autonomy and vehicle intelligence systems spanning hardware and software domains
• You will integrate hardware and software onto vehicle platforms and deploy autonomy algorithms in both SIL, HIL and live test environment
• You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, scalable solutions for defense and commercial customers, providing seamless hardware-software integration, troubleshooting, and customer-facing demonstrations
• Adapt and develop modular and agile autonomy capabilities across diverse defense problems
• Integrate and deploy autonomy solutions onto embedded Linux and other hardware platforms, including interfacing with sensors and collecting data
• Troubleshoot complex integration and software issues to ensure high reliability and performance
• Integrate autonomy software into hardware in collaboration with autonomy engineers that supports full integration with aircraft autopilots, datalinks, sensors, PNT/GPS/INS, ground control stations, etc
• Support live flight test of autonomy software on group 1-5 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Collaborate with 3rd party UAS vehicle vendors on the integration of Applied autonomy software onto OEM UAS hardware
• Conduct system-level setup, testing, and validation, including software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop evaluations
• Collaborate with autonomy engineers to implement service-oriented-architecture software and inter-process messaging systems for autonomous UASsCollaborate with DoD warfighter domain experts and 3rd party UAS vehicle vendors to develop and integrate autonomy software onto OEM hardware

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Applied covers 100% of the cost and offers medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Fitness Stipend: Our wellness program supports your health and fitness goals. We pay for your trainers, gym memberships, massages, and more!
• 401(k) Match: 50% employer matching to help you save money for retirement
• Learning Stipend: We invest in your learning and growth by reimbursing you for educational and training expenses
• Parental leave: 12-week, fully paid parental leave to bond with a newborn child or new adopted or foster child
• Catered lunch, expensed dinner, on-site meals and snacks- Computer networking, code integration, and a passion for robotics integration is a must
• This position can also be located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida if preferred
• BS or MS in Robotics, Computer Science or related engineering field
• Experience developing in Docker, containerized deployment environments, and using Linux-based operating systems (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu)
• Excellent communication skills and customer-oriented project delivery mindset
• 3+ years of hands-on experience working with robotic systems (hardware, software, and integration)
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Experience integrating autonomy/robotics products with Pixhawk autopilots (ArduPilot and/or PX4)​
• Experience with software programming languages:​​ C++ preferred
• Experience using git, Visual Studio Code, GitLab
• Familiarity with real-time, edge computing, and safety-critical systems operating in software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), test & operational environments
• Experience integrating with communication busses & protocols:​UART/RS232/RS422/RS485​, SPI/QSPI​, I2C​, Ethernet
• Willingness to travel frequently for on-site integration and demonstrations (estimated 10–20%)
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
• Don’t meet every single requirement? If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles
• Experience in modern C++ (2011, 2017, or 2020 standards), Bash, and CMake
• Experience with Agile development practices and CI/CD pipelines
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• Prior work with COTS hardware integration such as Nvidia Jetson and Raspberry Pi
• Active U.S. SECRET clearance preferred