UAS Software Engineer

COLSA Corporation•Huntsville, AL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Support integration of navigation, autonomy, communications, and payload control software. Configure, extend, and optimize UAS autopilot software such as ArduPilot or PX4. Develop and maintain software for onboard compute platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson or similar. Perform software debugging and troubleshooting across embedded, onboard, and ground systems. Support software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and flight testing activities. Develop scripts and tools to support automation, testing, and data analysis. Use Git or similar version control systems for collaborative development. Work closely with hardware, systems, and flight operations teams to define requirements and validate performance. Design, develop, integrate, and maintain software for unmanned aircraft systems, including flight software, onboard computing, and ground control interfaces. Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including software designs, configurations, and test results. At COLSA, people are our most valuable resource and centered at our core value. We invite you to unite your talents with opportunity and be a part of our “Family of Professionals!” Learn about our employee-centric culture and benefits here.

Requirements

Bachelors' degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, business or other related field or equivalent
Minimum of 5-8 years related experience
Working knowledge of desktop applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs
Working knowledge of current operating systems and programming language
Proficiency in C/C++ and/or Python for embedded systems, autonomy, scripting, and testing.
Experience working in Linux-based development environments, including build systems, debugging, and deployment.
Ability to explain technical concepts clearly and collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams.
Experience developing software for embedded systems, robotics, or autonomous platforms.
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance within 6 months of hire; U.S. Citizenship required.
Willingness to support field testing, demonstrations, and limited travel as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing or modifying ArduPilot or PX4 modules.
Familiarity with ROS or ROS 2.
Experience with NVIDIA Jetson platforms and GPU acceleration technologies.
Background in computer vision, EO/IR processing, or AI/ML integration.
Familiarity with MAVLink, DDS, or similar messaging frameworks.
Experience with autonomy, navigation, and sensor fusion algorithms.
Experience supporting flight testing, demonstrations, or field deployments.
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks.
Exposure to DoD, law enforcement, or public safety UAS programs.
FAA Part 107 certification or familiarity with UAS flight operations.

Responsibilities

Support integration of navigation, autonomy, communications, and payload control software.
Configure, extend, and optimize UAS autopilot software such as ArduPilot or PX4.
Develop and maintain software for onboard compute platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson or similar.
Perform software debugging and troubleshooting across embedded, onboard, and ground systems.
Support software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, and flight testing activities.
Develop scripts and tools to support automation, testing, and data analysis.
Use Git or similar version control systems for collaborative development.
Work closely with hardware, systems, and flight operations teams to define requirements and validate performance.
Design, develop, integrate, and maintain software for unmanned aircraft systems, including flight software, onboard computing, and ground control interfaces.
Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including software designs, configurations, and test results.