Software Engineer I/II - ArduPilot & Autonomous Systems

RED CAT HOLDINGS•Fort Pierce, FL

About The Position

Red Cat Holdings is seeking a junior-to-mid-level Software Engineer with hands-on ArduPilot development experience to develop, integrate, and test autonomous vehicle control software for unmanned surface vessels (USVs). The role focuses on implementing vessel-control functionality, improving autonomy software reliability, and integrating ArduPilot/ArduRover with onboard hardware and external command-and-control systems. Experience with ATAK/WinTAK and tactical command-and-control software is highly desirable. The engineer will modify and maintain ArduPilot/ArduRover C++ source code, implement vessel-specific control functions, and develop automated simulation, regression-testing, and validation workflows. The position includes integration of MAVLink communications, navigation sensors, propulsion interfaces, and other vehicle hardware, as well as troubleshooting during development, simulation, hardware testing, and on-water operations. The engineer will collaborate with software, electrical, mechanical, and networking engineers and maintain code, documentation, and development tasks using GitLab and Jira. AI-assisted coding tools may be used, with generated code validated through appropriate testing. This role combines office and laboratory work with hands-on vessel integration and outdoor testing. The employee must be willing to participate in laboratory, dockside, and on-water testing and occasional travel for field testing and integration. The position requires completing a post-offer background check. Work involving ITAR/EAR-controlled technology requires proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence and no need for sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

Requirements

Experience developing, debugging, and maintaining software in C++ and Python.
Demonstrated hands-on experience modifying, building, debugging, and testing ArduPilot source code.
Experience with ArduRover for boats/USVs or equivalent ArduPilot vehicle platforms.
Hands-on experience configuring, running, and troubleshooting ArduPilot SITL and HITL/HIL testing environments.
Experience developing automated simulation tests, regression tests, and validation workflows for autonomous vehicle software.
Understanding of MAVLink telemetry, vehicle commands, parameters, mission execution, and communication protocols.
Understanding of actuators, navigation, operating modes, and safety/failsafe behavior.
Experience developing and troubleshooting software on Linux-based systems.
Experience using Git, GitLab, or equivalent source-control platforms.
Familiarity with Jira or similar issue-tracking systems.
Familiarity with generative AI coding tools such as Cursor, OpenAI Codex, or similar.
Experience integrating software with sensors, embedded hardware, or external control systems.
Ability to work hands-on with embedded hardware, sensors, and vehicle-control systems.
Willingness to participate in laboratory, dockside, and on-water testing.
Willingness to travel occasionally for field testing and integration activities.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Effective communication, teamwork, and technical documentation skills.
Ability to manually lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to crawl, kneel, crouch, bend, climb, and work in confined or awkward spaces while installing, inspecting, and servicing equipment on and around vessels.
Ability to safely board and move around boats, docks, and uneven or wet surfaces.
Comfort working outdoors and in marine environments, including dockside activities and on-water testing.
For work subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions, proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence and no need for sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

Nice To Haves

ATAK/WinTAK plugin development and integration.
TAK ecosystem experience, including Cursor on Target (CoT).
Autonomous boat/USV development and on-water testing experience.
Experience with marine propulsion, throttle, gear shifting, steering, and actuator control.
Experience with CAN bus, serial communications, and marine engine integration.
Experience with GNSS, IMUs, compass/heading sensors, and navigation systems.
Experience with NVIDIA Jetson and other embedded computing platforms.
Experience with TCP/IP, UDP, and remote vehicle communication systems.
Experience with Docker, GitLab CI/CD, and automated deployment workflows.
Experience with robotics, autonomous vehicles, or defense systems.

Responsibilities

Develop, modify, and maintain ArduPilot/ArduRover C++ source code for unmanned surface vessels.
Implement vessel-specific control functionality, including throttle, steering, gear shifting, and engine control.
Develop and maintain ArduPilot SITL/HITL simulation and testing environments.
Create automated simulation and regression tests to validate vehicle behavior and software changes.
Develop and test vehicle safety interlocks, operating modes, and failsafe functionality.
Integrate MAVLink telemetry, vehicle commands, parameters, and autonomous mission execution.
Support ArduPilot integration with ATAK/WinTAK and third-party command-and-control systems.
Integrate navigation sensors, propulsion interfaces, and other onboard vehicle hardware.
Troubleshoot autonomous control issues during development, simulation, hardware testing, and on-water operations.
Collaborate with software, electrical, mechanical, and networking engineers.
Participate in code reviews, software testing, and release processes.
Maintain source code, technical documentation, and development tasks using GitLab and Jira.
Use AI-assisted coding tools to improve development efficiency while validating generated code through appropriate testing.