Embedded Software Engineer - Flight Stack

Embedded Software Engineer - Flight Stack Build the Software That Keeps Autonomous Aircraft Flying We are looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to develop, integrate, and optimize the flight control software that powers next-generation unmanned aircraft. In this role, you will work closely with aeromechanical, avionics, autonomy, and systems engineering teams to deliver reliable, safety-critical flight software from prototype through production. Your work will directly impact aircraft performance, mission capability, and operational reliability. This is a hands-on engineering position for someone who enjoys solving challenging embedded systems problems, working close to the hardware, and seeing software evolve into real-world flight capability. Technical Challenges You Will Tackle Develop, integrate, and maintain real-time flight control software for unmanned aircraft systems.Implement flight-control, state-estimation, and sensor-fusion algorithms for stable and precise flight.Integrate avionics hardware, navigation sensors, payload systems, power systems, and communications into the flight stack.Conduct SIL/HIL simulations, bench testing, and flight-readiness validation activities.Support flight testing including pre-flight checkout, telemetry monitoring, and post-flight log analysis.Develop mission-planning, vehicle-management, and autopilot software capabilities.Create user interfaces for monitoring and controlling UAV systems.Optimize software performance, scalability, maintainability, and reliability.Maintain configuration management, version control, software documentation, and test procedures.Collaborate across autonomy, propulsion, aerodynamics, avionics, and systems engineering disciplines. Required Qualifications Extremely knowledgeable at hardware integration and hardware toolsets. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.5+ years of experience developing embedded software for UAVs, robotics, aerospace systems, defense systems, automotive systems, or other safety-critical products. Ideal candidates have extensive experience with small drones (Group 1 and Group 2).Experience designing, implementing, and testing real-time embedded software.Hands-on experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or similar flight-control platforms.Strong knowledge of MAVLink, RTPS, or related communications protocols.Experience with uORB, FastDDS, or similar real-time communications frameworks.Proficiency in C++, Python, and/or Rust.Experience with Git, CMake, debugging tools, and embedded software development workflows.Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience with STANAG 4586 and UAV interoperability standards.Experience with mission planning, geospatial systems, and mapping software.Familiarity with Qt, React, or similar UI frameworks.Experience with RTOS platforms such as NuttX, ChibiOS, or FreeRTOS.Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, Gazebo, or similar simulation environments.Understanding of cybersecurity principles for embedded systems.Experience with containerization and deployment technologies.Knowledge of airworthiness, safety, and flight-certification practices. About Knightwerx Knightwerx develops American-made, AI-powered unmanned aerial systems and remote sensing technologies that support human-machine teaming in mission-critical environments. We build next-generation aerospace and autonomy solutions for both commercial and government customers where performance, speed, and reliability matter. As a growing company, we offer the opportunity to work close to the mission, close to the product, and close to the decisions that shape what gets built. Engineers here work across disciplines, take ownership of meaningful challenges, and help shape the future of the company as it scales. Additional Information Onsite position in Scottsdale, AZRelocation assistance available for this roleU.S. Citizenship RequiredCollaborative engineering environment