Senior Software Engineer

PDW; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 155,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage

Safe Harbor 401(k) with company match

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Assistance Program

Competitive salary and generous PTO

Job summary

PDW in Denver is looking for a talented software engineer to lead the design and implementation of complex software systems. Candidates should have extensive experience in C++, with a focus on optimization and embedded platforms. The role involves collaboration with product teams, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring high coding standards.

With competitive benefits including comprehensive health coverage and a 401(k) match, this is an opportunity to join a mission-driven company dedicated to providing cutting-edge tactical robotic systems.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of professional software development experience.
• Strong command of performance optimization and memory management.
• Proven experience designing complex software systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of significant software features.
• Collaborate with various teams to shape requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and enhance code quality.

Skills

C++ Performance Optimization

Embedded Linux

UI Development with Qt/QML

Agile Development

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Qt Framework

Git

Job description

Company Overview

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. As we expand into Denver, 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 design and implementation of significant software features and subsystems.
• Make sound technical decisions independently, navigating ambiguity with confidence.
• Collaborate closely with Product, Design, and other engineering teams to shape requirements and delivery plans.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level engineers through code reviews, pair programming, and technical guidance.
• Identify and address performance bottlenecks, architectural weaknesses, and security gaps.
• Contribute to and enforce coding standards, development processes, and engineering best practices.
• Support field deployments, product demonstrations, and hands‑on debugging in real‑world conditions.
• Drive continuous improvement in code quality, reliability, and system performance.

Qualifications

• Advanced software development skills in C++, with strong command of performance optimization, memory management, and modern programming standards.
• Proven experience designing and delivering complex, production‑quality software systems.
• Hands‑on experience with embedded Linux, Android, or similar platforms.
• Experience building responsive UI systems, preferably with Qt/QML, and integrating with backend systems via REST and JSON.
• Strong command of software development processes including agile, CI/CT/CD, and code review practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to articulate technical decisions clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field, with 5–8 years of professional software development experience.

Preferred

• Extensive hands‑on experience with the Qt framework including QtWidgets, QML, and the Qt meta‑object system.
• Demonstrated success deploying cross‑platform applications on Windows, Linux, and/or Android using Qt.
• Background or direct experience with UAVs, aircraft, robotics, or autonomous systems.
• Strong knowledge of build systems and toolchains including CMake, QMake, and multi‑platform compiler configuration.
• Proficiency with Git branching strategies, tagging, and collaborative development workflows.

Physical Requirements

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.

Work Environment

Typical office setting; may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities. 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. Fast‑paced work environment requiring cross‑functional collaboration and independent and team‑based responsibilities.

ITAR Requirement

Candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Benefits

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(k) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Work environment encourages teamwork and innovation.
• 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.

The Pay Range For This Role Is

155,000 - 195,000 USD per year (DF02)