Software Engineer (CS, Robotics)

About the Role: Knightwerx is looking for a Software Engineer I to help develop autonomous aircraft designed to operate in GPS-denied, contested, and complex environments. In this role, you'll develop production-quality C++ software across navigation, perception, planning, sensor integration, and mission systems. Working closely with flight software, avionics, autonomy, and mission systems teams, you'll help take capabilities from prototype through production. You'll also collaborate with hardware, integration, and flight-test teams to troubleshoot system-level challenges, test new capabilities, and see your software deployed on real aircraft. This position offers early-career engineers the opportunity to take ownership of meaningful technical work, contribute to engineering decisions, and learn across multiple disciplines, including embedded software, avionics, autonomy, and flight operations.

Key Responsibilities: Develop software that supports reliable aircraft operation in GPS-denied, contested, and complex environments. Design, implement, test, and maintain production-quality C++ software for autonomous systems. Contribute to navigation, perception, planning, sensor integration, and mission software capabilities. Integrate software with sensors, mission systems, and embedded platforms. Collaborate with autonomy, embedded, avionics, and mission systems teams to develop robust and scalable solutions. Troubleshoot complex system-level issues involving software, networking, communications, and hardware interfaces. Participate in architecture discussions and contribute to the development of Knightwerx autonomy platforms. Write maintainable, readable code that supports future aircraft capabilities. Support system integration, testing, and flight-test activities as capabilities move from prototype to production. Document design approaches, implementation decisions, and test procedures to support long-term system success. Required Qualifications1–3 years of experience developing production software in modern C++.Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical discipline. Experience taking engineering requirements through implementation, testing, and deployment. Understanding of software development lifecycle best practices and version control systems. Experience with hardware-integrated software systems, robotics platforms, embedded systems, IoT devices, or sensor-based products. Familiarity with Linux-based development environments. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work through ambiguity using first-principles thinking. Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional engineering teams. An ownership mindset and willingness to take responsibility for outcomes and move solutions forward. Commitment to technical excellence, continuous improvement, and ongoing learning. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with ROS or ROS2.Experience with MAVLink, PX4, or related unmanned systems technologies. Experience in robotics, autonomous vehicles, aerospace systems, or unmanned aircraft. Familiarity with networking, distributed systems, and real-time communication protocols. Experience integrating sensors such as cameras, IMUs, GPS units, LiDAR, radar, or other perception systems. Experience working with mission-critical or safety-critical systems.

Why Join: Knightwerx Build technology that contributes to real-world missions. Take ownership of meaningful technical challenges and contribute beyond a narrowly defined area of responsibility. Work directly with engineers, operators, and flight-test teams. See the impact of your contributions through rapid development and deployment. Contribute to product development and technical decisions in a growing company. Gain exposure to autonomy, avionics, mission systems, embedded software, and flight operations. Work with a team that values accountability, technical curiosity, ownership, and mission execution.

Location and Work Arrangement: On-site position in Scottsdale, Arizona. Infrequent travel may be required to support integration, testing, and customer activities. Collaborative, engineering-focused work environment.