Senior R&D Software Development Engineer

Company Overview

At Performance Drone Works (PDW), we're at the forefront of creating custom small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) for the modern warfighter. PDW is proudly American owned, with all design, engineering, and manufacturing of our products taking place domestically.

Role

PDW is seeking a highly motivated Software Engineer to lead R&D efforts in small robotics systems, sensors, and payload integration. This role is ideal for a developer who enjoys solving complex problems and can drive end-to-end software development with minimal oversight. The successful candidate will be at the forefront of small robotics development, designing and implementing robust systems that enhance the capabilities of unmanned platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent research and development activities, prototyping and implementing software solutions for small robotic systems, sensors, and payloads.
• Work independently, taking ownership of tasks and deliverables while maintaining teamwork and clear communication.
• Collaborate with R&D stakeholders to architect, scope, schedule, and execute novel capabilities.
• Architect and develop high-performance, adaptable software systems using C++ and Qt, ensuring scalability and modularity.
• Develop and integrate remote data processing solutions via REST APIs and JSON, enabling seamless communication between robotic platforms and control systems.
• Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, enhancing software efficiency and robustness for mission-critical applications.
• Maintain high code quality through structured coding practices, rigorous testing, and collaborative code reviews.

Requirements

• Expertise in C++, with a focus on high-performance, real-time systems.
• Strong understanding of embedded systems, including microcontroller-based development (ARM Cortex, STM32, or similar).
• Proven ability to work independently on complex software projects, particularly in R&D environments.
• Extensive experience with Qt framework and QML, designing and deploying cross-platform applications.
• Experience with Embedded Linux and Android development is a strong plus.
• Experience working with robotic communication protocols (MAVLink, ROS) and sensor data fusion.
• Proficiency with Git for version control, including tagging, issue tracking, and collaborative development workflows.
• Experience with CoT messaging and its integration into situational awareness tools like ATAK for enhanced interoperability.
• 7-10 years of professional software development experience with a bachelor's degree in computer science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Experience using third-party libraries and APIs.
• Ability to write clean, maintainable code following defined coding standards.
• Experience with bug/issue tracking tools such as Jira.

ITAR Requirement

In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

Commitment to Inclusivity

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.