Principal Software Engineer (Autonomous Systems)

Lynx; Palmdale (CA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 208,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401K match

Paid time off

Remote opportunities

EAP

Career development

Job summary

Thompson Software Solutions is seeking a senior embedded software engineer to join a multi‑site team working on autonomous flight systems for defense and aerospace applications. You will develop, integrate, test, and deploy software across embedded platforms, collaborating with hardware, test, and deployment teams.

The role requires strong C/C++, Java, Python and scripting skills, plus experience with ArduPilot/PX4, Git, and CI/CD.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years strong software development experience with C, C++, Java, Python, and Bash for embedded systems, automation, testing, and application development.
• Experience with autonomous flight systems using ArduPilot and/or PX4.
• 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 obtain Secret DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and test software for autonomous flight systems and embedded platforms.
• Collaborate with multi‑site teams to deliver high‑quality software products.
• Configure and maintain CI/CD pipelines and automated tests.
• Communicate project status and technical solutions with clients and peers.

Skills

C/C++

Java

Python

Bash

Linux

Embedded systems

Robotics/Autonomy

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE or related

Tools

Git

Confluence

JIRA

Bitbucket

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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