Software Engineer, Unmanned Aircraft; Avionics, Firmware, Autopilot

Role Highlights

• Role: Software Engineer, Unmanned Aircraft (Avionics, Firmware, Autopilot)
• Department: HAPS
• Location: Valencia, Spain
• Reports to: VP of Engineering, HAPS
• Working type: Hybrid
• Employment is subject to applicable security screening (including SUPO, where required).

As Software Engineer on the HAPS program, you will develop and maintain the custom software that keeps ICEYE's stratospheric electric aircraft flying — spanning the full stack from embedded avionics and command & control systems to simulation environments and ground‑based tooling. You will integrate COTS and custom avionics components into a working UAV platform, build and improve hardware‑in‑the‑loop and software‑in‑the‑loop simulation systems, and participate directly in flight test campaigns — turning real‑world data into software improvements that push the aircraft's capabilities forward.

• Designing and implementing software solutions for a novel UAV system
• Integration of commercial‑off‑the‑shelf (COTS) and custom designed avionics components into a working UAV platform
• Development and implementation of Command & Control segment for a very particular UAV system
• Development and/or improvement of hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HITL) and software‑in‑the‑loop (SITL) simulation systems
• Discover and understanding of airworthiness requirements
• Understanding operational needs and developing solutions to improve operations
• Development of verification procedures
• Participation in flight test campaigns and in‑flight data analysis

• 5+ years of relevant work experience
• Good programming skills (C, C++, Python)
• Knowledge of various communication protocols (e.g., CAN, Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART) for inter‑component communication
• Expertise in developing embedded software and in embedded communication protocols
• Hands‑on experience with product deployment and debugging

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Robotics, or similar
• Experience with high‑reliability electronics design for harsh environments
• Familiarity with industry standards for electronics design and testing
• Simulation development skills for electronic systems (e.g., SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink)
• Experience with smart systems that are networked as cloud‑linked fleets with telemetry
• Passion for solving complex problems in a team environment
• A proactive, can‑do attitude and love for aerospace are expected

Our benefits are designed to support your health and wellbeing—at work and beyond. We keep improving them based on employee feedback, and offerings vary by location. Talent Acquisition will confirm what applies for this role and location during the process.

We want ICEYE to be a place where people can be themselves and do great work. Different backgrounds and perspectives make us stronger, which is why we work to create an environment where people feel included, respected, and able to speak up. Whatever your background, we want you to bring your authentic self to the table.

We’re committed to fair, inclusive hiring and equal opportunity. Everyone is welcome to apply. If you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, tell us—we’ll do our best to help.

Read more about ICEYE and working with us at