Senior Embedded Software Engineer - UAS Madison, AL

Colsa; Madison (AL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

401(k) with company match

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

COLSA Corporation seeks an Embedded Software Engineer to join our Madison, Alabama team. You will design, develop, test, and integrate software for sUAS systems and sensors, supporting the full lifecycle from design through flight testing and deployment.

The role requires 8+ years of related experience, expertise with Linux-based embedded platforms, ARM processors, and autonomy frameworks like PX4, ArduPilot, MAVLink, and ROS/ROS 2. Some positions may require a U.S. security clearance.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related embedded software experience.
• Experience developing for sUAS/UAV or robotic platforms.
• Linux-based embedded platforms with ARM processors.
• Knowledge of UAS electrical systems and sensor integration.
• Familiarity with autonomy frameworks such as PX4, ArduPilot, MAVLink, ROS/ROS 2.
• Willing to obtain FAA Part 107 if required; U.S. citizenship and background checks may apply.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, tests, integrates, and troubleshoots software for sUAS systems and sensors.
• Applies advanced software engineering methods to solve complex problems.
• Supports full lifecycle from design to deployment and flight testing.
• Performs modeling, simulation, and complex software testing.
• Collaborates with hardware engineers on software-hardware interfaces.
• Leads projects or major phases, coordinating with team and support staff.

Skills

Linux-based embedded

ARM processing

microcontrollers

single-board computers

sensor integration

autonomy frameworks (PX4/ArduPilot)

ROS/ROS 2

flight software development

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in CS/Engineering

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

MAVLink

ROS/ROS 2

Job description

As COLSA continues to expand our uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) capabilities, we’re seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer to join our growing team in Madison, Alabama. You’ll design, develop, test, and integrate software for sUAS systems and sensors, supporting the full development lifecycle from initial design through integration, flight testing, and deployment.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Functions)

• Designs, develops, tests, integrates, and troubleshoots software for sUAS systems and sensors.*
• Develops and applies advanced software engineering methods and techniques to solve complex technical problems.*
• Supports software development throughout the lifecycle, including design, implementation, integration, testing, and deployment.*
• Performs systems modeling, simulation, analysis, and complex software testing.*
• Works closely with hardware engineers on characteristics and considerations that affect software systems.*
• Plans and technically leads projects or major phases of projects, coordinating with engineers and technical support staff as needed.*
• Reviews current technologies and engineering practices relevant to assigned projects.
• Reviews technical products and supports implementation and documentation of new or existing software.
• Provides technical consultation and may evaluate vendor products, services, or capabilities as needed.

At COLSA, people are our most valuable resource and centered at our core value. We invite you to unite your talents with opportunity and be a part of our “Family of Professionals!” Learn about our employee-centric culture and benefits here: https://www.colsa.com/culture_benefits

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 8 years of related experience.
• Experience developing software for sUAS/UAV, autonomous aircraft, or other robotic platforms.
• Experience with Linux-based embedded platforms and technologies such as ARM processors, microcontrollers, or single-board computers.
• Knowledge of UAS electrical systems, payload integration, sensor integration, or avionics.
• Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, MAVLink, ROS/ROS 2, or comparable autonomy frameworks.
• Experience supporting the full system development lifecycle, from initial requirements and design through implementation, integration, flight testing, and deployment.
• Willing and able to obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate if required for the position.
• U.S. Citizenship required; must be able to complete a criminal background check and/or obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, if required for the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with aerospace/defense development processes, configuration management, and formal verification and validation.

Applicant selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. COLSA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Salary Type

Annually

The salary range, if referenced, represents a good faith estimate. COLSA considers various factors when determining base salary offers, but not limited to, location, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements.

COLSA offers a comprehensive and customizeable benefits program which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Supplemental Income Protection Programs, 401(k) with company match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Education & Certification Reimbursement, Employee Discount Program, Paid Time Off and Holidays.

This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 business days. If a candidate has not been selected at that time, it will continue to be posted until a suitable candidate is selected or the position is closed.