Senior Embedded Software Engineer, Autonomous Systems

Apera; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Apera in San Francisco, CA, seeks a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to integrate autonomy and vehicle intelligence across hardware and software platforms. You’ll work across embedded Linux, robotics, networking and autonomy, deploying software onto vehicle platforms and supporting testing from SIL and HIL through to live flight operations.

The role involves collaboration with engineering teams, hardware partners and customers to deliver reliable, field-ready systems, with travel required for

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years' hands-on experience with robotic systems and hardware/software integration.
• Strong programming skills, with C++ preferred.
• Experience with Pixhawk-based autopilots (PX4 or ArduPilot).

Responsibilities

• Integrate and deploy autonomy software onto embedded Linux and vehicle platforms.
• Interface with sensors, autopilots, datalinks, PNT/GPS/INS and ground control systems.
• Support system integration, troubleshooting and validation across SIL, HIL and live tests.
• Integrate autonomy software with third-party UAS and vehicle hardware.
• Support live flight testing of unmanned aerial systems.
• Develop and integrate service-oriented and inter-process communication systems.
• Collaborate with engineering teams, hardware partners and customers to deliver integrated solutions.

Skills

C++ programming

Robotics systems

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Education

BS/MS in Robotics/CS/Engineering

Tools

Docker

Linux (Ubuntu)

Git

PX4/ArduPilot

Job description

Senior Embedded Software Engineer – Autonomous Systems

We are looking for an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to integrate autonomy and vehicle intelligence systems across hardware and software platforms.

You’ll work across embedded Linux, robotics, networking and autonomy, deploying software onto vehicle platforms and supporting testing from SIL and HIL through to live flight operations.

The role involves close collaboration with engineering teams, hardware partners and customers to deliver reliable, field-ready systems.

Responsibilities

• Integrate and deploy autonomy software onto embedded Linux and vehicle platforms.
• Interface with sensors, autopilots, datalinks, PNT/GPS/INS and ground control systems.
• Support system integration, troubleshooting and validation across SIL, HIL and live test environments.
• Integrate autonomy software with third-party UAS and vehicle hardware.
• Support live flight testing of unmanned aerial systems.
• Develop and integrate service-oriented and inter-process communication systems.
• Work closely with engineering teams, hardware partners and customers to deliver and demonstrate integrated solutions.

Requirements

• BS/MS in Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering or a related field.
• 3+ years' hands-on experience working with robotic systems and hardware/software integration.
• Strong programming skills, with C++ preferred.
• Experience with Pixhawk-based autopilots such as PX4 or ArduPilot.
• Experience with communication protocols including UART/RS232/RS422/RS485, SPI, I2C and Ethernet.
• Experience with Docker, containerised environments and Linux (e.g. Ubuntu, RHEL).
• Familiarity with Git and modern software development tools.
• Understanding of real-time, edge computing and safety-critical systems.
• Strong communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10–20% for integration and demonstrations.
• Experience integrating COTS hardware such as Nvidia Jetson or Raspberry Pi.