Embedded Software Engineer - Autonomous Vehicle

Overview

Autopilot Software Engineer - Hybrid (Southampton / Portsmouth)

Location:

Southampton / Portsmouth (Hybrid working available)

Contract:

Full-time, permanent

Sector:
Autonomous Systems / Aerospace / Robotics

Are you passionate about building advanced autonomy for next-generation unmanned aircraft? Join a high-growth engineering team developing large autonomous fixed-wing UAVs for logistics, humanitarian, and defence applications. You will contribute directly to creating robust, reliable, and safe flight-control systems for real-world missions.

• Requirements capture and creation of technical specifications
• Development of safety-critical flight-control software to exceptionally high reliability standards
• Support test activities: automated unit tests, hardware-in-the-loop, field tests, and flight trials
• Assist with issue identification, debugging, and system-level fault investigation

• Professional experience in software engineering with strong embedded C/C++ skills
• Practical, applied understanding of aerospace control systems
• Ability to develop behavioural/application-level autonomy software
• Experience with version control (Git) within an agile team, including documentation
• Strong skills with STM
  32 microcontrollers and associated tool chains (IDEs, debuggers, compilers)
• Knowledge of low-level interfaces: CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, PWM, ICU, etc.
• Complementary understanding of embedded hardware
• Ability to support a full testing ecosystem - from automated unit testing to flight testing
• Flexibility, ownership mindset, and ability to deliver high-quality, real-world-ready software
• Experience with open-source autopilot ecosystems (e.g., Beta flight, Ardupilot, PX4, Mission Planner)

• Background or interest in aviation or RC model aircraft
• Willingness and ability to travel, plus a driving licence and access to a vehicle

• Contract Type:
  Full-time, permanent
• Location:
  
  Southampton / Portsmouth area, with hybrid working available
• Department:
  Engineering