Software Engineer (ES Aero)

Belcan Corporation; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

Belcan Corporation in San Luis Obispo, CA seeks a Software Engineer for Flight Systems focused on embedded software and UAV systems. You will develop and customize the PX4 flight stack, integrate with QGroundControl, and work with C/C++ and Python to support testing and validation.

The role requires 5+ years of experience, a relevant degree, and US citizenship. You will collaborate across vehicle, payload, and ground control interfaces while using modern tools like VS Code and Git-based

Qualifications

• Degree in Robotics, Software/Compute Eng, or Aerospace or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant embedded software experience.
• Must have knowledge of PX4 flight stack.
• US Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and customize PX4 flight stack with QGroundControl integration.
• Develop C/C++ software for embedded flight systems with Python support.
• Manage GPS position and navigation software.
• Autonomy and system-level software integration across vehicle, payload, and ground control interfaces.
• Work with Git-based workflows (GitHub/GitLab) and IDEs like Visual Studio Code.
• Implement unit testing and software validation.
• Work with MAVLink, TCP/IP, UDP interfaces.
• Debug across hardware/software boundaries in flight and lab environments.
• Support rapid iteration driven by integration, test, and flight feedback.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Python testing

Git/GitHub workflows

Troubleshooting

Flight software

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Tools

PX4 flight stack

ROS2

QGroundControl

Pixhawk

Visual Studio Code

Job description

Description: A Software Engineer / Flight Systems job in San Luis Obispo, CA is currently available through Belcan with one of our emerging aerospace clients. We are seeking a highly motivated Software Engineer with a focus on embedded software and a strong background in drone/unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), software development, testing and support. The successful resource is expected to be able to troubleshoot, analyze and iterate, as well as provide expertise in all activities surrounding software development.

Job Duties

• Development and customization of PX4 flight stack and integration with QGroundControl (QGC)
• Software development in C/C++ for embedded flight systems, with Python supporting test and validation workflows
• GPS position management and navigation-related software development
• Autonomy and system-level software integration across vehicle, payload, and ground control interfaces
• Experience working within Git-based environments (GitHub / GitLab), including version control and team-based development workflows
• Development within modern environments (Visual Studio Code or similar)
• Implementation of unit testing and software validation practices
• Communication protocols and system interfaces (MAVLink, TCP/IP, UDP, and related embedded interfaces)
• Software integration and debug across hardware/software boundaries within flight and lab environments
• Support for rapid iteration driven by integration, test, and flight feedback

Required Qualifications

• Degree in relevant field such as Robotics, Autonomy, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Mathematics; strong preference for Software/Aerospace Engineering.
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Must have some knowledge of the PX4
• Due to the nature of the work performed, US Citizenship is a requirement

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience with PX4 flight control stack (autopilot) / OS or similar (i.e. robot OS [ROS2], ArduPilot, Pixhawk)
• Able to lead small team with ownership of software work packages
• Embedded real-time software development
• Aerospace experience, especially with unmanned aircraft systems

We provide a competitive pay and benefits package. This position is offering an salary rate of $104,000 to $145,600 however, Belcan considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to education, experience, geographic location, and discipline. Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law.

Belcan is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.