Software Engineer II /Embedded Systems & Software

Blue Ops; Florida; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Ops in Florida is seeking a hands-on, mid-level Software Engineer to develop, integrate, and maintain software for unmanned surface vessels and autonomous maritime systems. You will work across software, hardware, and networking teams to deliver reliable features quickly, with a focus on lightweight tools and practical engineering solutions.

The role requires strong Python and C++ skills, Linux deployment experience, and familiarity with embedded systems.

Qualifications

• Strong Python development skills and working proficiency in C++.
• Experience developing, deploying, and troubleshooting software on Linux-based systems.
• Experience with Git, GitLab, or equivalent source-control platforms, including branching and code reviews.
• Familiarity with Jira or similar issue-tracking tools.
• Experience using generative AI coding tools such as Cursor, OpenAI Codex, or similar.
• Understanding of TCP/IP, UDP, Ethernet, network routing, and connectivity troubleshooting.
• Experience integrating software with hardware, sensors, APIs, and communication protocols.
• Experience developing automated tests and troubleshooting complex software issues.
• Ability to independently develop, test, and deliver reliable software features.
• Familiarity with embedded computing platforms and hardware/software interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and maintain Python and C++ applications for unmanned maritime platforms.
• Integrate third-party sensors, cameras, radar, communication systems, and software.
• Develop and support vehicle telemetry, remote monitoring, video streaming, and system health applications.
• Troubleshoot complex software, networking, operating system, and hardware integration issues.
• Develop lightweight automated tests, build scripts, and deployment tools.
• Improve GitLab development workflows and software release practices where they provide practical value.
• Create repeatable procedures for building, packaging, and deploying onboard and operator-facing software.
• Support development and integration of MAVLink, ArduPilot, and TAK-based systems as needed.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, networking, autonomy, and software engineering teams.
• Support laboratory, dockside, and on-water integration and testing.
• Maintain clear technical documentation, version control, and development tasks.
• Use AI-assisted development tools to accelerate development, debugging, and testing while maintaining software quality.

Skills

Python

C++

Linux

Git

GitLab

Jira

AI-assisted development

Networking basics

Software integration

Testing & debugging

Embedded systems

Tools

ArduPilot

ArduRover

MAVLink

Jetson

Docker

GitLab CI/CD

CAN bus

UART

RTSP

WebRTC

FFmpeg

GStreamer

MediaMTX

PostgreSQL

Job description

Position OverviewWe are seeking a hands-on, mid-level Software Engineer to develop, integrate, and maintainsoftware for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and autonomous maritime systems.This role emphasizes rapid software development, embedded systems integration, and practicalengineering solutions. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in an evolving developmentenvironment, delivering reliable features quickly, and introducing lightweight tools andworkflows that improve team productivity without unnecessary overhead.The engineer will work closely with software, mechanical, electrical, and networking teams todevelop and support onboard computing, communication systems, video services, vehicletelemetry, and third-party integrations.Required Qualifications• Python and C++: Strong Python development skills and working proficiency in C++• Linux: Experience developing, deploying, and troubleshooting software on Linux-basedsystems• Version Control: Experience with Git, GitLab, or equivalent source-control platforms,including branching and code reviews• Project Management: Familiarity with Jira or similar issue-tracking tools• AI-Assisted Development: Experience using generative AI coding tools such as Cursor,OpenAI Codex, or similar• Networking: Understanding of TCP/IP, UDP, Ethernet, network routing, andconnectivity troubleshooting• Software Integration: Experience integrating software with hardware, sensors, APIs,and communication protocols• Testing and Debugging: Experience developing automated tests and troubleshootingcomplex software issues• Software Development: Ability to independently develop, test, and deliver reliablesoftware features• Embedded Systems: Familiarity with embedded computing platforms andhardware/software interfacesPreferred Qualifications• ArduPilot, ArduRover, and MAVLink• ATAK/WinTAK integration and plugin development• NVIDIA Jetson or other embedded Linux platforms• Docker and containerized applications• GitLab CI/CD, automated builds, and deployment scripting• CAN bus, UART, serial communications, and hardware interfaces• Video streaming technologies such as RTSP, WebRTC, FFmpeg, GStreamer, andMediaMTX• GNSS, radar, cameras, and marine electronics• Satellite, cellular, and other variable-bandwidth communication systems• Experience with autonomous vehicles, robotics, maritime systems, or defense technology• PostgreSQL or other database technologiesKey Responsibilities• Develop, test, and maintain Python and C++ applications for unmanned maritimeplatforms• Integrate third-party sensors, cameras, radar, communication systems, and software• Develop and support vehicle telemetry, remote monitoring, video streaming, and systemhealth applications• Troubleshoot complex software, networking, operating system, and hardware integrationissues• Develop lightweight automated tests, build scripts, and deployment tools• Improve GitLab development workflows and software release practices where theyprovide practical value• Create repeatable procedures for building, packaging, and deploying onboard andoperator-facing software• Support development and integration of MAVLink, ArduPilot, and TAK-based systemsas needed• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, networking, autonomy, and software engineeringteams• Support laboratory, dockside, and on-water integration and testing• Maintain clear technical documentation, version control, and development tasks• Use AI-assisted development tools to accelerate development, debugging, and testingwhile maintaining software qualityIdeal Candidate• Enjoys hands-on software development and practical engineering challenges• Can move quickly from requirements to working software• Comfortable developing solutions in a fast-paced, evolving environment• Understands how to balance rapid prototyping with long-term reliability andmaintainability• Proactively identifies repetitive tasks and introduces simple automation• Knows when a lightweight script or workflow is more appropriate than a complexinfrastructure solution• Can independently troubleshoot issues across applications, Linux, networking, andembedded hardware• Works effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teamsAdditional Requirements• Willingness to work hands-on with embedded hardware and autonomous vehicle systems• Ability to independently manage assigned development tasks and priorities• Willingness to participate in field testing and occasional travel• Strong written and verbal communication skills• Ability to document technical work and collaborate effectively with other engineersPhysical 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.