UAS Autonomy Applications Engineer

Description

WORK LOCATION:

Remote, USA

FLSA STATUS:
Exempt

SALARY RANGE:
The anticipated salary range for this role is $140,000 to $170,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

Edge Autonomy is seeking an experienced Autonomy/AI software engineer with a strong background in implementing optimization algorithms in embedded environments, software applications in safety‑critical systems, and a mastery of C#/C++ programming. This role will develop and expand the capabilities of the UAS platform using advanced algorithms and techniques to ensure mission success and safety of the system. In this position you will adopt full ownership of a use case for UAS and develop autonomous capabilities to achieve it.

The solutions developed in this role will be deployed on operational aircraft engaged in global missions, requiring robust, reliable, and safety‑focused software development.

• Assist with implementation of the onboard autonomy agent on a Jetson processor, integrating it with the aircraft’s mission system.
• Develop and optimize autonomy algorithms and solutions, enabling adaptive response to high-level mission requirements under various environmental and operational conditions.
• Autonomous path planning and search algorithms.
• Adaptive responses to the world environment.
• Sensor and data processing.
• Machine learning techniques.
• Ownership of the entire design‑develop‑test process for new use cases and capabilities.
• Debug, troubleshoot, and resolve issues in embedded environments, ensuring software meets high safety and performance standards.
• Maintain rigorous documentation and version control for safety‑critical systems, supporting audits and compliance requirements.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in aerospace autonomy or similar fields, with a focus on embedded software, planning and pathfinding algorithms, and mission critical systems.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python for embedded systems.
• Proficiency in Linux environments and Docker containerization.
• Experience with UAS use cases in commercial and defense applications.
• Experience in the development of autonomous software systems for real‑world, operational environments, preferably aerospace or UAS.
• Strong understanding of optimization techniques, data structures, and design patterns, specifically within embedded and constrained environments.
• Experience with Nvidia Jetson processors or similar embedded computer platforms, including low‑level interfacing with hardware systems. Experience with CUDA and accelerated computing a plus.
• High level of responsibility and ownership in solving complex problems in dynamic and high‑stakes environments.

• Experience supporting flight test.
• Communications standards such as STANAG, DDS, and Kafka.
• Experience with computer vision and real‑time object detection.
• Understanding of UAS architectures and subsystems.
• Understanding of flight‑critical and mission‑critical software requirements.
• Understanding of Flight Behavior and Aircraft Performance.

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate…