Ground Control Software Engineer

Powerus; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Powerus is seeking a Ground Control Software Engineer to build operator-facing software for mission planning, telemetry visualization, and flight review. You will work with a TypeScript/React frontend and Python or Go services to deliver responsive interfaces that handle live vehicle data.

You'll design robust backend systems, collaborate with autonomy engineers, and contribute tests and deployments while turning operator feedback into product improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/CE or equivalent experience.
• Experience building production web apps with TypeScript and React.
• Backend experience in Python or Go with API design.
• US Person status required due to ITAR/EAR controls.

Responsibilities

• Develop ground control station features for mission planning, flight monitoring, and post-flight review.
• Create telemetry visualization and map interfaces that stay responsive with live data.
• Build backend services to ingest, store, and serve telemetry, mission, and vehicle state data.
• Design interfaces for field conditions, including sunlight, latency, and intermittent links.
• Define and consume vehicle interfaces and protocols with flight software and autonomy engineers.
• Instrument the application so field failures can be diagnosed from logs.
• Write tests and participate in code review.
• Support test events and field deployments and convert operator feedback into product changes.

Skills

TypeScript

React

Real-time data visualization

API design

Version control

Code review

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or related discipline

Tools

MAVLink

Mapbox

ROS

CI/CD

Containerization

Job description

Powerus is building a next-generation American autonomous systems platform designed to move, protect, and sustain critical assets in high-consequence environments. The company combines advanced autonomy, manufacturing capability, operational expertise, and strategic acquisitions to support defense, national security, critical infrastructure, and commercial operations globally.

Mission

Our mission is to deliver resilient autonomous technologies that strengthen national security, improve operational safety, and expand the capabilities of organizations operating in complex environments.

Why Join Powerus

The ground control station is the operator's view of every Powerus aircraft: mission planning, live telemetry, maps, and post-flight review. Operators use it outdoors, under time pressure, over links that drop.

This role develops the ground control station software across the front end and backend services, and takes direct feedback from the people flying the aircraft.

Position Overview

Powerus is seeking a Ground Control Software Engineer to build operator-facing software for mission planning, telemetry visualization, and flight review, using a TypeScript and React front end with Python or Go services.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop ground control station features for mission planning, flight monitoring, and post-flight review
• Develop telemetry visualization and map interfaces that remain responsive with live vehicle data
• Develop backend services that ingest, store, and serve telemetry, mission, and vehicle state data
• Design interfaces for field conditions, including sunlight, latency, and intermittent links
• Define and consume vehicle interfaces and protocols with flight software and autonomy engineers
• Instrument the application so field failures can be diagnosed from logs
• Write tests and participate in code review
• Support test events and field deployments and convert operator feedback into product changes

Qualifications

• Must be located in the United States, within commuting distance of Rock Hill, SC
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience
• Experience building production web applications with TypeScript and React or a comparable framework
• Backend service experience in Python, Go, or a comparable language, including API design
• Experience displaying real-time or streaming data in a user interface
• Experience with version control, code review, and regular releases
• U.S. Person status required (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)); this role involves access to ITAR- and EAR-controlled technical data

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with UAS ground control, robotics operator interfaces, or command-and-control software
• Familiarity with MAVLink or ROS
• Experience with Mapbox, Leaflet, Cesium, or equivalent mapping libraries
• Experience with offline-capable or field-deployed applications
• Experience with containerized deployment and CI/CD
• Active or prior U.S. security clearance

What We Look For

Candidates should have shipped an interface that people used under operational pressure and be able to describe a change made after watching them use it.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Powerus is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and mission-driven workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.