Embedded Software Engineer

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

Embedded Software Engineer - Autonomy & Robotics

Location

This role can be based in Ann Arbor, MI or Fort Walton Beach, FL, Sunnyvale, CA, Washington, District of Columbia, depending on preference.

Apera is partnering with an innovative robotics and autonomy company building advanced systems across the defense and commercial space. They’re looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to work at the intersection of hardware, software, and autonomous systems — integrating cutting-edge technology directly onto vehicle platforms and supporting real-world testing and deployment.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys solving complex integration challenges, working with robotics hardware, and seeing their software operate in the real world.

What You’ll Do

• 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

What You’ll Bring

• 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 communication buses and protocols such as UART/RS232/RS422/RS485, SPI/QSPI, I2C, and Ethernet
• 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