UAS Software Engineer

DracoeDracoe is focused on ensuring Western democracies maintain a decisive edge in a rapidly changing global security environment. Built on real-world operational experience, the company develops mission-ready, sovereign manufacturing capabilities that enable drone dominance and deliver operational advantage. Dracoe designs and mass-produces NDAA-compliant drones and open-architecture systems in state-of-the-art facilities across the United States. Every platform is engineered for mission success, combining cutting-edge technology with proven reliability and relevance for defense and security applications. The organization partners closely with customers to design, develop, and scale tailored solutions, and is actively recruiting for multiple positions to support its growth.The WorkshopThe Workshop is where ideas are transformed into capability and problems are solved.It’s our engineering hub - where autonomous systems are conceived, built, tested, and refined to address real operational challenges.Spanning the entire UAS ecosystem, our work covers software, platform design, RF, propulsion, and beyond - all tightly integrated from concept to prototype.Our environment is transparent and experimentation-driven. We encourage rapid iteration, early learning, and constructive challenge, creating space for bold thinking and technical excellence.By empowering exceptional engineers to explore, test, and improve without friction, The Workshop consistently delivers smarter, more resilient systems.What you’ll doRoleYou will play a critical role in designing, developing, and delivering the software that supports Dracoe’s UAS platforms.You will develop, maintain and deploy software to support Dracoe’s UAS capabilities. You will shape mission planning software and system-level behaviours to meet demanding operational and customer requirements.Working closely with hardware, flight test, and manufacturing teams, you will ensure Dracoe software is robust, scalable, and deployable across production aircraft.You will help create outstanding software that keeps Dracoe at the forefront of both the consumer and defence drone markets, delivering reliable, intelligent UAS at scale.You’ll play a key role in enabling autonomous systems that support industry and western democracies.ResponsibilitiesDevelop and maintain core software libraries that will be utilized across all Dracoe Platforms.Support the development and implementation of software features for our products, addressing customer requirements and use casesOptimize the performance of mission planning and operational software, including tasks like improving battery consumption and route planningCollaborate closely with customers, hardware, and manufacturing teams throughout the product development lifecycle, providing timely feedback to influence and enhance final designsTroubleshoot and resolve complex issues in deployed systems, ensuring optimal performance in the field and addressing customer-reported problemsContribute to the design and implementation of UAS software systems, including flight control, mission management, and payload integrationStay current with emerging technologies and industry trends, recommending and implementing innovations to improve our products and processesWho you areExperience3+ years experience developing UAS, robotics, or mission-critical software in C++ and/or Python, including building reusable libraries and integrating with larger system architectures (e.g. middleware, message-passing frameworks).Hands-on experience with UAV or robotics systems integration, including working with sensors, navigation stacks, or flight control systems, and validating software through simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and flight testing.Experience supporting customer deployments and resolving field issues, including diagnosing software problems in operational environments and implementing solutions that address real-world use cases.Proven understanding of data structures, algorithms, concurrency, and code optimizationExperience troubleshooting and analyzing remotely deployed software systems, including working with customers to identify root causes and develop fixesSkillsPython / Golang / C++Mavlink / BetaFlight / ArduPilot / PX4DockerSCRUM / AGILE / KanbanExcellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.Familiarity with the challenges of taking a concept through to mature prototypeAttention to detail and critical thinking.Able to operate in ambiguity and take responsibility for delivery.Thriving in a fast paced environment.QualificationsRequired:Demonstrated experience in UAS, aerospace, defence, automotive, or high-reliability and relevant software developmentDesirable:Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics.Equivalent practical experience designing and building complex hardware systems will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.DesirableExperience deploying containerized software via orchestration tools such as Docker or KubernetesBackground in multi-agent coordination, particularly with UAVsMilitary experience or background in defenceExperience with 3D geospatial analysis and mapping software frameworks such as Cesium, MapBox, or TAK.Experience developing software that does not require Internet access or has local/offline functionality.Exposure to technologies related to Uncrewed Systems such as fixed-wing flight mechanics, UAV control, mesh networking, and launch systems.What you’ll getCompensationCompetitive salaryBenefitsWe offer comprehensive health insurance, very generous PTO, 401K and equity in a mission-driven company.StipendsYou'll receive an annual stipend for gym reimbursements for up to $1000 per year and approved role-related learning credits for up to $1000 per year.Dracoe is an equal opportunity employer