Software Engineer (Autonomous Systems) – Clearance Required

International Executive Service Corps; Virginia Beach, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 98,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cydecor, a premier Federal Government solutions provider, seeks a Software Engineer (Autonomous Systems) to develop, integrate, and test software for unmanned systems in an Agile setting.

You will work on navigation, planning, communications, and ground control applications across UxS platforms, utilizing C/C++ and Python, with Qt/QML interfaces and MAVLink communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related engineering or scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years hands-on software development with degree, or 7 years with no degree.
• Proficiency in C, C++, and OO software development.
• Experience in Agile development environments.
• Experience with autonomous navigation and path-planning techniques.
• Experience with BetaFlight, ArduPilot, PX4 flight control software.
• Experience integrating sensor data (GPS, IMUs, cameras, LiDAR).
• Experience with ground control software such as QGroundControl.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain software for autonomous unmanned systems.
• Develop software using C, C++, and OO programming.
• Support Agile software development activities including sprint planning, testing, and integration.
• Develop autonomous navigation and path-planning capabilities (waypoints, geofencing, obstacle avoidance).
• Integrate software with flight control platforms (BetaFlight, ArduPilot, PX4).
• Support development of ground control software for mission planning and monitoring.
• Develop UIs using Qt/QML and Python scripts for automation.
• Integrate sensors and data to improve navigation accuracy.
• Support MAVLink and TCP/IP communications; troubleshoot issues.
• Build from source code repositories; collaborate with teams.

Skills

C programming

C++

OO programming

Agile development

Autonomous navigation

Path planning

MAVLink

TCP/IP networking

Python scripting

Sensor data integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

BetaFlight

ArduPilot

PX4

QGroundControl

Qt/QML

Git / Source control

Linux

Job description

Cydecor is a premier Federal Government solutions provider, delivering differentiated innovations in mission systems and business platforms. We leverage leading-edge secure systems and software development, backed by industry-leading subject matter expertise, and business intelligence to enable decision-support and remain ahead of ever-evolving national security challenges. Our success rests squarely on three bedrock principles: People, our center of gravity; Mission, what inspires us; and an unyielding commitment to Excellence, what separates us.

Job Description:

Cydecor is seeking a Software Engineer (Autonomous Systems) to support the development, integration, and testing of autonomous unmanned systems. This position focuses on software development for autonomous navigation, mission planning, communications, and ground control applications supporting UxS platforms. The selected candidate will work in an Agile development environment, collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams to design, develop, test, and troubleshoot software supporting autonomous vehicle operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Design, develop, test, and maintain software supporting autonomous unmanned systems.
• Develop software using C, C++, and object-oriented programming methodologies.
• Support Agile software development activities, including sprint planning, development, testing, and integration.
• Develop and enhance autonomous navigation and path-planning capabilities, including waypoint navigation, geofencing, dynamic routing, obstacle avoidance, and collision detection.
• Integrate software with flight control platforms including BetaFlight, ArduPilot, and PX4.
• Support development and integration of ground control software for mission planning, execution, and system monitoring.
• Develop user interfaces using the Qt/QML framework.
• Implement Python scripts supporting automation, data analysis, and software prototyping.
• Integrate sensor data from GPS, IMUs, cameras, LiDAR, and other onboard systems to improve navigation accuracy and situational awareness.
• Support software communications utilizing MAVLink and TCP/IP networking protocols.
• Troubleshoot software defects, communication issues, and integration challenges across hardware and software components.
• Analyze and reverse engineer existing code to identify and resolve software issues.
• Build, compile, and maintain software from source code repositories.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and program stakeholders to support successful software integration and fielding activities.

Here’s what you need:

• Active or Interim Secret with the ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI eligibility.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering or scientific discipline.
• Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on professional software development experience with a degree, or seven (7) years of applicable professional experience without a degree.
• Proficiency in C, C++, and object-oriented software development.
• Experience developing software within an Agile development environment.
• Experience with autonomous navigation and path-planning techniques.
• Experience with BetaFlight, ArduPilot, and PX4 flight control software.
• Experience integrating sensor data including GPS, IMUs, cameras, and LiDAR.
• Experience with QGroundControl or similar ground control software.
• Experience developing applications using Qt/QML.
• Proficiency with Python scripting.
• Working knowledge of MAVLink communications protocols.
• Understanding of TCP/IP networking concepts.
• Experience troubleshooting software and network communication issues.
• Experience parsing and reverse engineering software codebases.
• Experience building software from source code repositories.

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Active TS/SCI Clearance.
• Experience supporting DoD/DoW or autonomous systems programs.
• Experience developing software for unmanned aerial, ground, or maritime systems.
• Experience with CAD or engineering visualization software.
• Experience supporting hardware/software integration and field testing.

Security Clearance:

• Active or Interim Secret; Active TS/SCI preferred.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain TS/SCI access.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering or scientific discipline.
• 7 years of directly applicable experience may be substituted for a degree.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, on-site.

Compensation and Benefits:

The projected compensation range for this position is $98,000-130,000. There are numerous factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the role, work location, education/certifications, and a contract's Labor Categories.

Cydecor offers a comprehensive compensation package including Health and Dental Insurance, Vision and Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, 401(K) + company match, Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Company Holidays, Tuition and Professional Development Assistance and more.

What We Believe

We have an unwavering commitment to diversity with the aim that every one of our people has a full sense of belonging within our organization. As a business imperative, every person at Cydecor has the responsibility to create and sustain an inclusive environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Cydecor is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer (EEO/AA). All employment and hiring decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, ethnic origin, disability, age, sex, gender identity & expression, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and/or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site because of your disability. You can request assistance by contacting [e-mail] or calling 703-884-2105.

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