Autonomous Vessel Software Engineer - ArduPilot & USVs

Red Cat Holdings; Florida; On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity package

Potential bonuses

Job summary

Red Cat Holdings is seeking a junior-to-mid-level Software Engineer with hands-on ArduPilot experience to develop and test autonomous vessel control software for unmanned surface vessels. The role emphasizes ArduPilot/ArduRover modification, SITL/HITL testing, MAVLink, and hardware integration.

The ideal candidate will work closely with embedded teams to implement vessel control functionality, run automated tests, and ensure reliability across simulation and real-world testing environments.

Qualifications

• Proficient in C++ and Python for developing, debugging, and maintaining software.
• Hands-on experience modifying, building, debugging, and testing ArduPilot source code.
• Experience with ArduRover for boats/USVs or equivalent ArduPilot platforms.
• Experience configuring SITL/HITL testing environments.
• Experience creating automated simulation tests, regression tests, and validation workflows.
• Understanding of MAVLink telemetry and vehicle commands.
• Knowledge of actuators, navigation, modes, and safety/failsafe behavior.
• Proficient in Linux development and troubleshooting.
• Experience with Git, GitLab or similar; Jira or comparable tool.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted coding tools is a plus.
• Ability to integrate software with sensors and embedded hardware.

Responsibilities

• Develop and modify ArduPilot/ArduRover C++ source code for USVs.
• Implement vessel-specific control features: throttle, steering, gear, and engine control.
• Develop and maintain SITL/HITL simulation and testing environments.
• Create automated simulation and regression tests to validate behavior.
• Develop vehicle safety interlocks, operating modes, and failsafe functionality.
• Integrate MAVLink telemetry and autonomous mission execution.
• Support ArduPilot integration with ATAK/WinTAK and other C2 systems.
• Integrate navigation sensors and propulsion interfaces with onboard hardware.
• Troubleshoot control issues during development, testing, and on-water operations.
• Collaborate across software, hardware, and networking teams; participate in reviews and releases.

Skills

C++/Python

ArduPilot Development

ArduRover/USV

SITL/HITL

Automated Testing

MAVLink

Vehicle Control

Linux

Version Control

Project Management

AI-assisted development

Hardware Integration

Tools

Docker

GitLab CI/CD

Job description

Red Cat Holdings is seeking a junior-to-mid-level Software Engineer with hands-on ArduPilot experience to develop and test autonomous vessel control software for unmanned surface vessels. The role emphasizes ArduPilot/ArduRover modification, SITL/HITL testing, MAVLink, and hardware integration.

The ideal candidate will work closely with embedded teams to implement vessel control functionality, run automated tests, and ensure reliability across simulation and real-world testing environments.