Principal Software Engineer, Manufacturing Test

PDW; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Safe Harbor 401(K)

Paid Parental Leave

On-site gym

Employer provided life insurance

Robust Employee Assistant Program

Job summary

Performance Drone Works (PDW) in Huntsville, AL is looking for a Software Engineer to lead the design and implementation of manufacturing test software systems for tactical robotic systems. You will collaborate with engineers to develop automation tools and improve production efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and over 7 years of experience in software engineering and manufacturing automation.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment that encourages innovation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in software engineering, manufacturing automation, robotics, or production test.
• Strong proficiency in Python and one other scripting language.
• Experience with automated manufacturing test systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of manufacturing test software systems.
• Develop automation tools and scripts to streamline production.
• Architect scalable software frameworks for testing and validation.

Skills

Python

Bash

PowerShell

C/C++

Linux Systems Administration

Manufacturing Automation

Robotics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics

Tools

Qt Framework

Automated Test Equipment

Job description

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.

You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design, implementation, deployment, and sustainment of manufacturing test software systems supporting assembly, integration, calibration, and final system validation in production.
• Architect scalable software frameworks for automated production test fixtures, diagnostics, telemetry collection, and hardware validation workflows.
• Own software configuration management, deployment pipelines, version control, and release processes for manufacturing and production environments.
• Develop robust automation tools and scripts using Python, Bash, PowerShell, or similar technologies to streamline production operations and reduce operator error.
• Design and maintain Linux-based manufacturing systems including user management, permissions, networking, package management, and system hardening.
• Partner with electrical, firmware, and mechanical engineering teams to integrate software with embedded systems, sensors, robotics hardware, and test instrumentation.
• Drive root‑cause analysis investigations related to manufacturing defects, test failures, production escapes, and system reliability issues.
• Establish software validation methodologies to ensure production systems meet product requirements, configuration control, quality standards, and operational readiness criteria.
• Improve manufacturing throughput, test coverage, traceability, and process repeatability through automation and data‑driven decision making.
• Develop tools and infrastructure for data collection, serialization, logging, and transport across manufacturing and test systems to track “as built” firmware/software configuration.
• Mentor junior engineers and manufacturing personnel on software best practices, debugging methodologies, and test system operation.
• Contribute to long‑term manufacturing software strategy, tooling standardization, and production scalability initiatives.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with production, quality, supply chain, field operations, and product engineering teams to improve system reliability and operational efficiency.
• Support deployment, troubleshooting, and sustainment activities across manufacturing and operational environments as needed, leveraging Admin/IT support.
• Support RCA and CAPA in response to defects, deviations, and non‑conformances.
• Continuously improve test system for quality, throughput, and reliability.
• Train personnel in operation and procedures of new manufacturing test systems.
• Mentor other engineers to strengthen skillsets and support coverage.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related technical field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in software engineering, manufacturing automation, robotics, embedded systems, or production test environments.
• Strong proficiency in Python and at least one additional scripting or systems language such as Bash, PowerShell, or C/C++.
• Experience designing and supporting automated manufacturing test systems or hardware‑in‑the‑loop validation infrastructure.
• Strong Linux systems administration experience including networking, permissions, services, security, package management, and deployment automation.
• Experience with software configuration management, source control, CI/CD practices, and release management workflows.
• Familiarity with hardware interfaces and communication protocols such as UART, CAN, Ethernet, USB, I2C, SPI, or serial communications.
• Strong understanding of robotics, drones, electromechanical systems, embedded hardware, or autonomous systems.
• Experience troubleshooting integrated hardware/software systems in fast‑paced production environments.
• Proficiency with data serialization and transport technologies such as JSON, Protobuf, REST interfaces, or similar frameworks.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Excellent analytical, debugging, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives and drive projects and teams with minimal oversight.
• Experience with administering Linux computer users, groups, and applications.
• Basic understanding of computer networking, firewalls, and IT best‑practices.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred

• Experience developing production or engineering tools using Qt Framework or Python Qt bindings (PyQt/PySide).
• Experience with automated test equipment, instrumentation, hardware validation systems.
• Familiarity supporting manufacturing execution systems (MES), ERP integrations, or production traceability systems in HV production.
• Experience supporting products operating under quality management systems in robotics, automotive, or other regulated industries in medium to high‑volume production.
• Ability to read and understand hardware schematics; basic understanding of circuits.
• Familiarity with containerization, virtualization, or infrastructure automation technologies to optimize resources, application deployments and updates.
• Exposure to telemetry systems, data analytics, or manufacturing metrics pipelines.
• Experience with PLCs and industrial communication control systems protocols (i.e.: OPC UA, SCADA).
• Soldering experience down to imperial 0402 components and fine pitch ICs.
• Experience with MIPI‑CSI, MIPI‑DSI, Gigabit Ethernet and other high‑speed signals along with knowledge of implementation including controlled impedance, length matching, crosstalk isolation, and other signal integrity considerations.
• Candidates with experience in sUAV, robotics development, and/or hobby drones.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as standard machine shop equipment. Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office and manufacturing equipment and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non‑climate‑controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast‑paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team‑based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• On‑site gym at our Huntsville, AL location.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non‑discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.