Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Embedded Software Engineer

Airbus•Bingen, WA

6d•$81,000 - $114,000•Onsite

About The Position

Airbus/Aerovel is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Embedded Software Engineer to build unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems at its Bingen, Washington workplace. The engineer will contribute to the design, development, and deployment of embedded flight software and ground control station (GCS) software supporting intelligent and autonomous flight. The role collaborates with hardware, systems, and software teams on flight control, communication, navigation, and operator interfaces, with an emphasis on clean, maintainable code and continued learning. The work includes developing embedded software for UAV flight platforms and GCS features such as user interfaces, telemetry, and mission tools. The engineer will develop real-time flight software and software for embedded Linux, implement communication protocols, support UAV configuration tools, and contribute to testing, debugging, platform integration, documentation, architecture, and maintenance. The position includes lab and field flight-test support and ongoing collaboration with other software developers. The position is listed as US direct hire, professional experience level, and on-site. The posting states that the work is 95% onsite. The annual salary range is $81,000–$114,000, subject to geographic differentials and individual qualifications. The role requires current U.S. work authorization; Airbus states it does not sponsor visas for U.S. positions unless specified.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
At least 2 years of embedded software development experience through industry roles or substantial project work.
Experience with C++.
Experience with Python.
Familiarity with embedded Linux or real-time operating systems (RTOS).
Exposure to UAV flight control concepts, sensor integration, or telemetry systems.
Experience using Git and development tools such as GitLab or similar.
Strong focus on writing clean, well-documented, maintainable code.
Familiarity with modern UI software architecture and development practices, such as Qt, PyQt, or similar frameworks.
Ability to work legally in the United States with valid work authorization.
Ability to meet the stated physical and travel requirements, including carrying and lifting items up to 30 lb, working on foot in office and production areas, and traveling independently and at short notice several times a month.
Ability to use required personal protective equipment, including safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators or masks, and/or protective gloves as required by the site or customer site.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Embedded Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, or Control Systems Engineering.
Experience with UAV autopilot software.
Exposure to Ground Control Station software.
Hands-on experience with UAV flight testing or platform integration.
Awareness of aerospace safety standards or robust software validation practices.
Basic understanding of aircraft systems, particularly guidance, navigation, and control (GNC).
Exposure to real-time operating systems and/or safety-critical software environments.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and maintain embedded software for UAV flight platforms.
Contribute to Ground Control Station software, including user interfaces, telemetry, and mission tools.
Write reliable, maintainable, well-documented code in C++, C, Python, and/or MATLAB.
Develop and support real-time flight software, including control loops, sensor drivers, and mission logic.
Implement and test communication protocols, including UART, CAN, TCP/IP, UDP, and serial.
Design, develop, and support software tools for UAV system configuration.
Develop software modules and system services for embedded Linux platforms, including process management, device interfaces, and inter-process communication.
Support testing and debugging in laboratory environments and during field flight tests.
Collaborate with hardware, electrical, and systems engineers to bring up and integrate new UAV platforms.
Document internal designs, software architecture, and interfaces.
Maintain and support existing embedded and ground control software.
Stay current with UAV industry developments and continuously develop skills.
Collaborate with other software developers and regularly report activities and progress.

Benefits

Competitive base salary and incentive compensation, which may include profit-sharing schemes.
Retirement savings plan.
Ability to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Paid time off, including personal time and holidays.
Paid parental leave program.
Medical insurance, including traditional and high-deductible health plans.
Prescription coverage.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Disability coverage.
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and other supplemental benefit coverages.
Upskilling and development opportunities through the global Leadership University, including access to more than 10,000 e-learning courses, certifications, career-path development, accelerated development programmes, and national and international mobility opportunities.