Senior Software Engineer - UAV and Autonomous Systems

Senior R&D Software Engineering Role Company: SKYLD Security and Defence Ltd Location: Hybrid – Cyprus or Greece Employment Type: Full-time About SKYLDSKYLD Security and Defence Ltd is a Cyprus-based ICT and innovation company active in European and national research and development programmes across defence, security, civil protection, critical infrastructure and other dual-use technology sectors. Working with partners from industry, academia and public-sector organisations, SKYLD designs, develops and demonstrates advanced operational solutions involving unmanned and autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, command-and-control and ISR applications, software and systems engineering, data-driven technologies and the integration of these technologies into demanding real-world environments. The RoleWe are looking for a Senior Software Developer / Senior R&D Software Engineer with broad and deep software and systems engineering expertise, spanning domains such as UAVs and autonomous systems, AI and data-driven applications, and complex system integration. You will take a leading role within SKYLD's technical team, owning the design, development, integration, testing and documentation of software across our research, innovation and technology projects – from UAVs and other unmanned platforms to AI, command-and-control and data-driven applications. The role suits an experienced engineer with a proven track record of delivering production-grade software in demanding technical environments. What matters is breadth and depth of expertise, sound engineering judgement and a demonstrated ability to take technical ownership from concept through to deployment. Hands-on UAV experience is a strong advantage, but equally important is the versatility to work across different platforms, technologies and application domains; a mature programming foundation is expected. The role is not limited to one technology stack: we want someone who can shape technical direction, set engineering standards and mentor more junior colleagues, with responsibility matched to the candidate's seniority, expertise and leadership potential. Key Responsibilities· Lead the design, development and maintenance of software components across SKYLD's project portfolio – for UAVs and other unmanned or autonomous systems as well as AI, command-and-control and data-driven applications. · Establish and enforce good software-engineering practices – including clean, maintainable code, code reviews, coding standards and version control – and drive technical quality across the team. · Architect and integrate software with onboard computers, sensors, payloads, flight-control and ground-based components, as well as with APIs and databases. · Design and deliver mission-support, telemetry, data-processing, system-monitoring and communication functions, using live or recorded vehicle, navigation and sensor data. · Oversee the testing, debugging and technical validation of integrated software and hardware systems. · Lead R&D prototypes and demonstrators, including selected AI, machine-learning, computer-vision, image-processing and large-language-model activities. · Mentor junior developers, author technical documentation and internal reports, and lead integration activities, trials and demonstrations with engineers and project partners. Essential RequirementsCandidates should hold a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer or Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Automation and Control, or another relevant technical discipline, together with substantial professional software-development experience. Equivalent demonstrated technical capability will also be considered. · Strong command of at least one relevant programming language, preferably Python, C or C++, backed by several years of professional development experience. · Deep understanding of core software-development practices, including software architecture, design patterns, testing, debugging and version control. · Solid understanding of complex, multi-component system architectures, including UAV or unmanned-system elements such as sensors, onboard computing, flight-control and ground-control systems, and communication links. · Proven ability to analyse complex problems, define technical interfaces and translate requirements into robust software and integration solutions. · Excellent written and spoken English, with the ability to lead technical work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team. · The ideal candidate should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and efficiently within a team-oriented environment. Strong prompting skills and a high level of proficiency in working with different Large Language Model (LLM) platforms are also considered particularly important, including the ability to use these tools effectively for professional and task-oriented purposes. Desirable Experience· Hands-on experience delivering UAV, robotics or autonomous-system projects. · Proven experience developing software that interacts with sensors, embedded devices or other physical systems – preferably in Linux – or that processes telemetry, navigation, image, video or other sensor data. · Practical experience with artificial intelligence, machine learning or large-language-model development and training. · Contribution to, or technical leadership within, research or technology-development projects, such as Horizon Europe or European Defence Fund programmes. Candidates are not expected to meet every desirable criterion: we are primarily looking for an accomplished, versatile senior developer with broad and deep technical expertise and the ability to lead R&D software engineering work across domains with confidence. What SKYLD Offers· A full-time position with a hybrid working model in Cyprus or Greece. · A leading technical role in UAV, autonomous-system, AI and defence-technology projects across European and national R&D programmes, including prototypes, integration trials and demonstrations. · The opportunity to shape technical direction, mentor others and take on significant responsibility within a growing company. · Competitive remuneration based on qualifications and experience, within a demanding but supportive working environment. How to ApplySend your CV and a short cover letter to rbATskyld.com.cy. Where available, include links or brief information about relevant professional projects, software repositories, publications or UAV-related work. Email subject: Application – Senior Software Developer – UAV & Autonomous Systems Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Applicants’ personal data will be processed solely for recruitment purposes and in accordance with applicable data-protection legislation.