Software Engineering Lead

Thallios builds maritime assets that support the mission of the United States and its allies. We're a defense-focused startup developing next-generation electric and hybrid unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Our small, agile team is solving real-world national security challenges through autonomy, modular platform design, and scalable maritime systems. We’re looking for engineers who thrive in ambiguity and are driven to build systems that matter.

We’re hiring a Software Engineering Lead to own the software ecosystem that connects our vessels, operators, and development environments. You’ll design and implement the systems that manage data flow, testing, deployment, and control, spanning onboard software, cloud infrastructure, databases, and operator tools.

Your scope includes everything from real-time data handling and telemetry to cloud APIs, CI/CD pipelines, and GUI dashboards for test and mission operations. You’ll work directly with hardware and autonomy engineers to ensure seamless integration between code, hardware, and field performance.

This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives on full-stack responsibility and can move between embedded interfaces and cloud infrastructure without hesitation.

• Design and deploy the core software infrastructure that connects vessels, cloud systems, and operator interfaces
• Develop databases, APIs, and cloud services for configuration, mission data, and fleet health
• Create intuitive GUIs and dashboards for remote control, visualization, and testing
• Architect and maintain real-time data and telemetry pipelines across embedded and cloud environments
• Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines for embedded and application software deployment
• Build test automation frameworks and validation tools for hardware-in-the-loop and field trials
• Collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, firmware, and autonomy teams to accelerate development cycles
• Contribute directly to field deployment by 2027

• 5+ years in software engineering with experience across backend, data, or embedded systems
• Demonstrated ability to debug across multiple layers
• Experience developing real-time data capture and management systems for robotics or embedded platforms (ROS 2, MQTT, gRPC, Influx
  
  DB, or similar)
• Experience with databases, cloud storage, and AWS or comparable infrastructure
• Understanding and ability to implement secure software practices across cloud, network, and embedded systems
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (CANalyzer, Foxglove Studio, Plotly Dash, Grafana)
• Experience with Dev Ops or cloud pipelines (AWS IoT, Docker, Github Actions, CI/CD)
• Curious, pragmatic builder who prefers working prototypes over presentations
• Thrives in small, high-ownership teams and can manage scope independently

• Experience with autonomy frameworks (ROS 2, PX4, Ardu Pilot, etc.)
• Demonstrated expertise integrating hardware and sensor systems, including networking (CAN, Ethernet, and serial)
• Background in marine robotics, defense tech, EVs, or aerospace systems
• Experience with Dev Ops or cloud pipelines (AWS IoT, Docker, Github Actions, CI/CD)
• 0-to-1 product experience: taking systems from concept to first deployment

• Mission-driven: build systems that help defend the free world
• Real traction: backed by DIU and building towards real-world deployment
• Ownership: early role with real influence on product and culture
• Compensation: competitive, impact-driven
• Team: high-trust, high-talent, and motivated by purpose