Software Engineer I/II - ArduPilot & Autonomous Systems

Blue Ops; Florida; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity package

Job summary

Blue Ops is seeking a junior-to-mid-level Software Engineer to develop and test ArduPilot-based control software for unmanned surface vessels (USVs). You will modify ArduPilot source code, work with MAVLink protocols, and create automated SITL/HITL tests and validation workflows.

The role involves hardware integration, Linux development, and collaboration across engineering teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience modifying ArduPilot source code and building/testing ArduPilot for USVs.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python for development, debugging, and maintenance.
• Experience with ArduRover/USV platforms and SITL/HITL environments.
• Knowledge of MAVLink telemetry, mission execution, commands, and parameters.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and maintain ArduPilot/ArduRover C++ code for USVs.
• Implement vessel-specific control functionality including throttle and steering.
• Maintain SITL/HITL simulation and testing environments and automate tests.
• Integrate MAVLink telemetry and mission execution with onboard hardware and external systems.
• Collaborate across software, electrical, and mechanical teams; participate in code reviews and releases.

Skills

C++

Python

ArduPilot

ArduRover/USV

SITL/HITL

Automated testing

MAVLink

Linux

Git

Jira

ATAK integration

CAN bus

Embedded hardware

Tools

GitLab CI/CD

Docker

Job description

Position OverviewWe are seeking a junior-to-mid-level Software Engineer with hands-on ArduPilot development experience to develop, integrate, and test autonomous vehicle control software for unmanned surface vessels (USVs). The ideal candidate has experience modifying ArduPilot source code, working with MAVLink communication protocols, and developing automated simulation and hardware testing environments. This role focuses on implementing vehicle-control functionality, improving autonomy software reliability, and integrating ArduPilot/ArduRover with onboard hardware and external command-and-control systems. Experience with ATAK/WinTAK and tactical command-and-control software is highly desirable.Required Qualifications• C++ and Python: Experience developing, debugging, and maintaining software in C++and Python• ArduPilot Development: Demonstrated hands-on experience modifying, building,debugging, and testing ArduPilot source code• ArduRover / USV: Experience with ArduRover for boats/USVs or equivalent ArduPilotvehicle platforms• SITL/HITL: Hands-on experience configuring, running, and troubleshooting ArduPilotSoftware-in-the-Loop (SITL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL/HIL) testingenvironments• Automated Testing: Experience developing automated simulation tests, regression tests,and validation workflows for autonomous vehicle software• MAVLink: Understanding of telemetry, vehicle commands, parameters, missionexecution, and communication protocols• Vehicle Control: Understanding of actuators, navigation, operating modes, andsafety/failsafe behavior• Linux: Experience developing and troubleshooting software on Linux-based systems• Version Control: Experience using Git, GitLab, or equivalent source-control platforms• Project Management: Familiarity with Jira or similar issue-tracking systems• AI-Assisted Development: Familiarity with generative AI coding tools such as Cursor,OpenAI Codex, or similar• Hardware Integration: Experience integrating software with sensors, embeddedhardware, or external control systemsPreferred Qualifications• ATAK/WinTAK plugin development and integration• TAK ecosystem experience, including Cursor on Target (CoT)• Autonomous boat/USV development and on-water testing experience• Marine propulsion, throttle, gear shifting, steering, and actuator control• CAN bus, serial communications, and marine engine integration• GNSS, IMUs, compass/heading sensors, and navigation systems• NVIDIA Jetson and other embedded computing platforms• TCP/IP, UDP, and remote vehicle communication systems• Docker, GitLab CI/CD, and automated deployment workflows• Experience with robotics, autonomous vehicles, or defense systemsKey Responsibilities• Develop, modify, and maintain ArduPilot/ArduRover C++ source code for unmannedsurface vessels• Implement vessel-specific control functionality, including throttle, steering, gear shifting,and engine control• Develop and maintain ArduPilot SITL/HITL simulation and testing environments• Create automated simulation and regression tests to validate vehicle behavior andsoftware changes• Develop and test vehicle safety interlocks, operating modes, and failsafe functionality• Integrate MAVLink telemetry, vehicle commands, parameters, and autonomous missionexecution• Support ArduPilot integration with ATAK/WinTAK and third-partycommand-and-control systems• Integrate navigation sensors, propulsion interfaces, and other onboard vehicle hardware• Troubleshoot autonomous control issues during development, simulation, hardwaretesting, and on-water operations• Collaborate with software, electrical, mechanical, and networking engineers• Participate in code reviews, software testing, and release processes• Maintain source code, technical documentation, and development tasks using GitLab andJira• Use AI-assisted coding tools to improve development efficiency while validatinggenerated code through appropriate testingIdeal Candidate• Has demonstrated experience working directly with ArduPilot source code rather thanonly configuring or operating ArduPilot systems• Enjoys developing and troubleshooting autonomous vehicle software• Comfortable working with simulation environments and physical vehicle hardware• Understands the importance of testing vehicle-control functionality before fielddeployment• Capable of independently implementing assigned software features with appropriatetechnical guidance and code review• Interested in autonomous maritime systems, robotics, and real-world engineeringchallenges• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with evolving requirementsAdditional Requirements• Ability to work hands-on with embedded hardware, sensors, and vehicle-control systems• Willingness to participate in laboratory, dockside, and on-water testing• Willingness to travel occasionally for field testing and integration activities• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills• Effective communication, teamwork, and technical documentation skillsPhysical Requirements and Working EnvironmentThis role combines office and laboratory work with hands-on vessel integration and outdoor testing.• Ability to manually lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.• Ability to crawl, kneel, crouch, bend, climb, and work in confined or awkward spaces while installing, inspecting, and servicing equipment on and around vessels.• Ability to safely board and move around boats, docks, and uneven or wet surfaces.• Comfortable working outdoors and in marine environments, including dockside activities and on-water testing.• Occasional travel and schedule flexibility may be required to support trials and demonstrations.Background CheckThis position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization DisclosureRed Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.E-VerifyThe company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.Compensation: Base pay, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.