Principal Software Engineer (Autonomous Systems)

Lynx; Fort Worth (TX); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 208,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost Medical/Dental/Vision

401K Employer Match

Paid Time Off

Remote Work Opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Thompson Software Solutions seeks a Principal Software Engineer to focus on innovative embedded software for autonomous systems. The role offers a competitive salary of $160,000 - $208,000 and requires collaboration with highly skilled engineers.

An ideal candidate will have 8+ years' experience in software development with C/C++ and familiarity with autonomous flight systems. Located in Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA, the position includes opportunities for career growth and remote work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or related discipline is required.
• 8+ years of experience in software development for embedded systems.
• Proficient in C, C++, Java, Python, and Bash.
• Experience with autonomous flight systems and UAS/UAV operations.
• Ability to communicate project status and collaborate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and test software products for autonomous systems.
• Collaborate in a multi-site team environment.
• Work independently and solve complex technical challenges.
• Ensure compliance with security clearance requirements.

Skills

C/C++

Java

Python

Bash

Git

Embedded systems

Robotics

Linux

Windows

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer engineering

Tools

Atlassian Tools

Docker

Job description

Job Title: Principal Software Engineer (Autonomous Systems)

Location

Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA.

Compensation

$160,000 - $208,000 + Bonus Eligible

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance

Who we are

Founded in 2004 with locations in Atlanta, GA, Fort Worth, TX, Denver, CO, & Huntsville, AL, Thompson Software Solutions (TSS) is a mission-driven aerospace and defense software and systems engineering company supporting the U.S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development, integration, test, and deployment of safety & mission-critical software systems that power next-generation aircraft, defense platforms, and space technologies. Our team understands what it takes to modernize complex embedded systems while maintaining the rigor, compliance, and reliability required for mission and safety-critical environments.

As a defense-focused company of highly skilled and dedicated engineers, we take pride in solving complex technical challenges that directly impact national security and operational readiness. We partner closely with customers across the military aviation and space domains to deliver resilient, future-ready solutions with portability, sustainability, and long-term mission success in mind.

Description

Thompson Software Solutions is seeking a senior‑level Embedded Software Engineer who is ready to work with a talented team to provide innovative solutions for tomorrow’s problems. This position requires a software engineer to use a wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts in the software field to develop, integrate, and test software products. The successful candidate will be a member of a high-performing multi‑site team and must be self‑motivated with strong work ethic, time‑management, and interpersonal skills. In this role, you will work independently at times on projects, at other times will be in a collaborative team environment with other software engineers, as well as other program development and deployment teams.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Continued eligibility for access to classified information is required throughout employment, as dictated by program needs.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years Strong software development experience using C, C++, Java, Python, and Bash for embedded systems, automation, testing, and application development.
• Experience developing and configuring autonomous flight systems using ArduPilot and/or PX4 flight controllers.
• Experience with UAS/UAV or RC aircraft operations, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Proficient with Git for source control, branching strategies, code reviews, and collaborative software development.
• Understanding robotics, autonomous systems, flight software, sensor integration, and embedded system design
• Proficient with Linux and Windows development environments
• Ability to professionally communicate project status and collaborate on technical solutions with clients and peers
• Ability to obtain Secret DoD security clearance
• 25% travel

Preferred / Additional Skills

• Proficient with Atlassian Tools (Confluence, JIRA, Bitbucket, etc.)
• Familiarity with the MAVLink communication protocol, including telemetry, command-and-control messaging, mission planning, and integration with ground control stations.
• DevOps & Containerization – Experience with Docker-based development, deployment, and maintaining CI/CD pipelines.
• Embedded Systems – Developing software for microcontrollers and embedded hardware platforms.
• Autonomy Systems – Working with autonomous systems software and hardware, including Perception (sensors, computer vision, sensor fusion)
• Motion and mission planning
• Control systems
• Test & Verification Engineering – Creating automated tests, validation frameworks, and verification software.
• Software Quality & CI/CD – Designing and maintaining robust software quality processes, automated builds, testing, and deployment pipelines.
• Electrical Engineering Fundamentals – Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and collaborate with hardware teams.
• Experience communicating and documenting complex technical designs.
• Ability to work in a collaborative and team-based environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance

Sound Exciting?

• Low-cost Medical / Dental / Vision coverage options
• 401K with generous employer match
• Responsible Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays
• Remote work opportunities based on role
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career growth and professional development opportunities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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