Autonomy & Robotics Embedded Engineer (Travel 10–20%)

Apera; Fort Walton Beach (FL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Apera is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to drive autonomy software on defense-grade robotics platforms, blending hardware and software expertise. This role focuses on integrating software on embedded Linux and vehicle systems while supporting real-world testing and deployments.

The position involves hands-on hardware/software integration, collaboration with autonomy engineers, and frequent demonstrations for DoD customers. Travel 10-20% and US citizenship required.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related engineering field.
• 3+ years of hands-on robotics experience spanning hardware, software, and system integration.
• Strong C++ programming experience.
• Experience integrating robotics/autonomy systems with Pixhawk, ArduPilot, and/or PX4.
• Experience with Linux-based environments such as Ubuntu or RHEL.
• Experience with Docker and containerized deployment environments.
• Familiarity with Git, GitLab, and VS Code.
• Understanding of real-time, edge computing, and/or safety-critical systems.
• Experience working in SIL, HIL, test, and/or operational environments.
• Strong communication skills and a customer-oriented mindset.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10-20% for onsite integration and demonstrations.
• U.S. Citizenship and eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate modular autonomy capabilities across complex defense applications
• Integrate autonomy software onto embedded Linux and hardware platforms, including sensors and data collection systems
• Integrate software with aircraft autopilots, datalinks, sensors, PNT/GPS/INS, ground control stations, and other vehicle systems
• Support SIL, HIL, and live flight testing of autonomy software across Group 1-5 UAVs
• Troubleshoot complex hardware/software integration challenges and optimize system reliability and performance
• Work closely with autonomy engineers to integrate service-oriented architecture and inter-process messaging systems
• Partner with third-party UAS/OEM vendors to deploy autonomy software onto real-world vehicle platforms
• Collaborate directly with DoD warfighter experts and customers to develop, integrate, test, and demonstrate autonomous systems
• Support system-level setup, testing, validation, and customer-facing demonstrations

Skills

Robotics experience

C++ programming

Real-time systems

Linux

Autonomy integration

U.S. Citizenship

Security clearance

PX4 integration

Education

BS/MS in Robotics/CS

Tools

Docker

Git

VS Code

Ubuntu

Job description

Apera is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to drive autonomy software on defense-grade robotics platforms, blending hardware and software expertise. This role focuses on integrating software on embedded Linux and vehicle systems while supporting real-world testing and deployments.

The position involves hands-on hardware/software integration, collaboration with autonomy engineers, and frequent demonstrations for DoD customers. Travel 10-20% and US citizenship required.