Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Performance Drone Works, LLC; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & dental coverage

401(k) with company match

On-site gym

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Team-oriented culture

Generous PTO & flexible leave

Job summary

Performance Drone Works, LLC in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Senior Embedded Engineer to design and deliver next-generation autonomous and semi-autonomous drones. You will lead embedded software and hardware integration across RTOS and Linux platforms, ensuring reliability in real-world missions.

The role requires strong C/C++ expertise, kernel and driver development, and hands-on hardware bring-up. You’ll collaborate with product teams to solve hard problems and push performance and security.

Qualifications

• Senior embedded C/C++ development experience for embedded and real-time systems.
• Strong background in Embedded Linux and hardware integration.
• Experience with Linux kernel, device drivers, RTOS, networking, and hardware bring-up.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end software development lifecycle from concept to deployment.
• Collaborate with product teams to implement solutions based on needs and feedback.
• Collaborate with team and stakeholders to deliver robust, scalable systems.
• Own tasks and deliverables with strong communication.
• Address complex technical issues and propose long-term solutions.
• Support deployments in the field for testing and demonstrations.
• Uphold high code quality and performance; conduct reviews and optimizations.
• Identify and address performance bottlenecks and security vulnerabilities.

Skills

C/C++ Embedded

Embedded Linux

Linux kernel

Device drivers

RTOS

Embedded software

Networking TCP/IP

Hardware bring-up

System performance & security

Team communication

Security clearance eligible

5-7 years exp

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering

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.

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Senior Embedded Engineer to join our team, contributing to the next wave of system and tool development for our upcoming product lines. The ideal candidate will thrive working in an innovative and fast-paced work environment, have excellent critical thinking skills, and will play a pivotal role in designing the next generation of our autonomous, semi-autonomous, and precision flight drones. This includes assisting in the architectural design, parts selection, validation test design, and overseeing hardware and software development cycles for a variety of hardware projects.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and participate in the end-to-end lifecycle of software development from concept to deployment, contributing high-quality, production-ready code.
• Collaborate closely with product teams to define and implement effective solutions based on business needs and user feedback.
• Collaborate with a strong team and company stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, taking personal ownership of tasks and deliverables, while not neglecting teamwork and clear communication.
• Take on challenging and complex technical issues, applying your expertise to propose and implement robust, long-term solutions.
• Support application deployments in the field for product testing and demonstrations; including live troubleshooting and analysis.
• Uphold and raise the bar for high code quality and performance, conducting code reviews and optimizations to improve system efficiency and scalability.
• Be vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing performance bottlenecks and security vulnerabilities.

Requirements

• Senior-level C/C++ development experience supporting embedded and real-time systems.
• Strong Embedded Linux background including hardware integration, low-level system development, and deployment on complex embedded platforms.
• Expertise in building and managing the Linux kernel, including configuration, customization, and optimization for specific hardware platforms.
• Proficiency in developing and maintaining Linux device drivers, with a deep understanding of Linux kernel subsystems and hardware interaction.
• Experience with Real Time Operating System(s) (RTOS).
• Proven track record of developing high-quality embedded software.
• Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.
• Solid understanding of network programming, including proficiency in TCP/IP networking, network stack, and related communication protocols.
• Knowledge of hardware-based software development; including the use of timers, interrupts, hardware peripherals such as SPI controllers and ADCs, and debug tools.
• Experience with communication buses such as I2C, CAN, UART and SPI; along with devices that utilize them.
• Demonstrated experience in hardware bring-up, including proficiency in troubleshooting and resolving hardware-related issues in embedded systems.
• 5-7 Years Professional Development Experience; Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering or equivalent non-internship experience.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required.

Preferred

• Candidates with UAV aircraft, robotics development experience and/or hobby drone experience

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 various electronic power supplies and test equipment. Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.

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-differential collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard work hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

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.
• On-site gym.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• 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.