Senior Software Engineer - Ground Control Station (Qt/C++/QML)

Pyka • Alameda, CA

1d

About The Position

Pyka aims to provide safe, clean, and cost-effective transportation through autonomous electric aviation. They achieve this by applying their technologies to various industries, starting with high-value and dangerous jobs, building scalable products, and perfecting their autonomy engine and electric propulsion systems. Pyka designs, develops, and manufactures an ecosystem of technologies including flight control software, avionics, high power density motors, motor controllers, batteries, and custom carbon-fiber composite airframes. Currently, they supply autonomous electric aircraft for cargo transport and crop protection to customers across four continents, holding industry-first regulatory approvals from the FAA. Their aircraft enhance remote connectivity, express delivery, and critical supply shipping, while also offering safer, more precise, and environmentally friendly agricultural services, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The work at Pyka contributes to improving lives and advancing electric aviation.

Pyka is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to lead the end-to-end development of their Ground Control application, a real-time Qt/QML system crucial for aircraft operations. This role encompasses UX design, frontend and backend implementation, and system-level integration. The successful candidate will transform a critical tool into a reliable, intuitive, and high-performance product for real-world flight operations. This opportunity is ideal for engineers with experience in complex systems (vehicles, robotics, industrial platforms) who prioritize both usability and robustness, offering a chance to own a product that directly influences human interaction with autonomous aircraft.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in software engineering, ideally with experience owning complex, user-facing systems
• Strong experience with Qt
• Proficiency in modern C++ (C++11 and beyond)
• A background in building human-machine interfaces — automotive, aerospace, medical devices, or similar
• Comfortable working across the stack, from UI to backend logic and system integration
• Experience debugging complex issues across multiple layers (UI, networking, OS/platform)
• A keen eye for design and user experience — you care deeply about how software looks and feels
• Able to work independently and take full ownership of complex projects

Nice To Haves

• Bonus points for QML experience
• Experience with JavaScript is a plus

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of Plane View, our core Qt/QML ground control application, and other human-machine interfaces
• Design and implement intuitive, high-performance user interfaces for real-time systems
• Own the full stack behind the application, including backend logic, data flow, and system behavior
• Debug and resolve issues across the stack, including UI, backend and platform-specific behavior
• Interface with hardware and external systems (e.g., USB devices, telemetry, networking)
• Define and uphold interface standards, visual consistency, and usability across the product
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to evolve the architecture and capabilities of the system
• Serve as a key voice in product usability and workflow design

Benefits

• 165,000-196,000 per year base salary + equity
• Employer-sponsored health, dental and vision insurance
• FSA with employer matching
• 401(k)
• Paid holidays, generous PTO, and additional unpaid time off
• Voluntary short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Free catered lunch and plenty of snacks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees