Senior Software Architect | Defense | Florida (Remote) | $170k-190k

A Defense Tech Start-Up is looking for a Senior Autonomous Aviation Software Architect to take ownership of the software architecture supporting its autonomous C-UAS technology.

What You’ll Do

• Architect and develop software for the onboard mission computer and Ground Control Station (GCS).
• Develop and integrate autonomous aviation software across the drone, autopilot, sensors and mission computer.
• Integrate AI/ML perception, navigation and sensor-fusion capabilities.
• Integrate sensors including EO/IR, LWIR and radar.
• Develop production software primarily using C++ and Python.
• Work closely with flight-control, systems, AI/ML and hardware engineers.
• Lead hardware/software integration and troubleshoot systems during testing.
• Participate directly in flight-test events (~25% travel).
• Provide technical leadership across the GCS and onboard computing architecture.

What We’re Looking For

Aviation autonomy experience is essential.

We’re particularly interested in engineers with hands-on experience developing:

• Autonomous UAV / UAS platforms
• Fixed-wing or VTOL aircraft
• Aircraft autonomy and flight-control systems
• Mission computers or GCS platforms
• Autonomous navigation and sensor-fusion systems

You should also have strong C++ and/or Python development experience. This is not a purely architectural or management position – you’ll be expected to code and work directly with the system.

Valuable Experience

• PX4 / ArduPilot / MAVLink
• ROS / ROS2
• Computer vision and AI/ML
• EO/IR, LWIR or radar
• Sensor fusion
• GPS-denied navigation
• Embedded / edge computing
• Hardware-in-the-loop / software-in-the-loop
• Defense or aerospace programs

Package: $170k-190k + Equity

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Nikyle Maipath