Embedded Software Engineer

Swarm Aero is redefining air power, building the largest swarming UAV and the most versatile swarming aircraft network in the world. The company is moving quickly to launch the first aircraft designed specifically for swarming, as well as the Command & Control software to mobilize swarms of thousands of heterogeneous autonomous assets and empower human operators to achieve superhuman results.

The team has created and exited multiple startups, negotiated defense deals worth billions of dollars, and designed and built 30+ novel aircraft, with aerospace experience from Scaled Composites, Airbus, Archer Aviation, Blue Origin, and Boom Supersonic.

About the Role

Our avionics system is built and running on aircraft hardware. The work now is extending it: new sensors, new capabilities, new functions, one integration at a time, for as long as the program runs.

We're looking for an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to join our avionics team and own that work. You'll write real-time embedded software that directly controls aircraft systems, from flight control and sensor integration to communication protocols. This is safety-critical software on hardware that flies, and the surface keeps growing.

What You'll Do

• Extend the avionics, autonomy, and ground control software for a large uncrewed aircraft, adding capability to a system that already runs

• Design, integrate, and support embedded systems in real-time and non-real-time environments, on the ground and in the air

• Bring up new sensors, payloads, and networking capabilities on existing avionics, and make them coexist with everything already on the vehicle

• Build out our SIL and HIL test architecture so every new function is verified before it touches an aircraft

• Develop simulation models and verify software components

• Own your software all the way through: hardware bring-up, integration, test, and the fault you end up chasing down on the actual vehicle

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience in embedded systems development, preferably in the aerospace industry.

• Proficiency in C/C++ programming languages, with experience in assembly language being a plus.

• Strong understanding of microcontroller and microprocessor architectures.

• Experience with RTOS, such as FreeRTOS, VxWorks, or similar.

• Familiarity with hardware design and development tools, such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers.

• Knowledge of aerospace standards and protocols, such as DO-178C, ARINC, and MIL-STD.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with model-based design and development tools such as MATLAB/Simulink.

• Knowledge of safety-critical software development and certification processes.

• Understanding of cybersecurity principles as they pertain to embedded systems.

• Familiarity with a major microcontroller or microprocessor family.

• Experience in robotics and automation, whether virtual, terrestrial, or aerial.

• Familiarity with network routing and switching.

• Experience with Modular Open-Source Architecture components and systems.

• Experience with hardware security modules and related components.

What we Offer:

• Meaningful equity stake in a high-growth defense technology company

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401k

• PTO and Paid Sick Time

• Monthly Wellness Stipend

• Daily catered lunch to office

• Paid parental leave

• Direct impact opportunity - be a key leader in building a critical technology for national security

• World-class team - work alongside exceptional engineers and operators solving hard problems

Candidates for this position must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy work environment, Swarm Aero conducts a thorough screening of prospective employees. Candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background verification process as a prerequisite for employment.

ITAR requirement

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Swarm Aero is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse backgrounds and experiences and make employment decisions without regard to race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or disability.

What We Offer

• Meaningful equity in a high-growth defense technology company

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience

• Medical, dental, vision, and 401k

• PTO and paid sick leave

• Monthly wellness stipend

• Daily catered lunch (office)

• Paid parental leave

• Direct impact on a critical national security mission

• A world-class team of engineers and operators solving genuinely hard problems