Software Engineering Manager

FlightWave Aerospace - A Red Cat Company; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

FlightWave Aerospace - A Red Cat Company is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead a team of embedded software engineers developing software for unmanned aerial systems, payloads, and robotics platforms. You will drive embedded Linux, Yocto, kernel and device driver development, and real-time motor control integration.

Collaborating with electrical, mechanical, systems, and flight test teams, you will ensure delivery of reliable software products and maintainable architectures while

Qualifications

• 5+ years of software engineering experience with technical leadership responsibilities.
• Experience leading software projects, engineering initiatives, or teams.
• Mentor engineers and drive execution across multiple concurrent projects.
• Proficient in embedded C/C++ development for robotics or aerospace platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of software engineers, providing technical guidance and career development support.
• Establish priorities, coordinate resources, and drive execution of software projects aligned with company objectives.
• Lead development of embedded software, firmware, and Linux-based systems for FlightWave products.
• Guide software architecture, implementation, integration, and troubleshooting across the software stack.

Skills

Embedded software

C/C++

Real-time systems

Software leadership

Linux kernel

Tools

Yocto Project

Linux kernel

Job description

Position Summary

FlightWave is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead a team of embedded software engineers developing software for unmanned aerial systems, payloads, and supporting robotics platforms.

This role is responsible for driving execution across embedded firmware, embedded Linux, middleware, and hardware integration efforts while providing technical leadership, mentoring engineers, and ensuring delivery of high-quality software products. The Software Engineering Manager will work closely with electrical, mechanical, systems, and flight test teams to develop reliable and scalable software solutions for production systems.

Key areas of responsibility include embedded Linux platform development, Yocto build systems, Linux kernel and device driver development, hardware bring-up, motor control integration, software quality, and team leadership.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of software engineers, providing technical guidance, performance management, and career development support.
• Establish priorities, coordinate resources, and drive execution of software projects aligned with company objectives.
• Lead development of embedded software, firmware, and Linux-based systems supporting FlightWave products and technologies.
• Guide software architecture, implementation, integration, and troubleshooting activities across the software stack
• Oversee development and maintenance of embedded Linux platforms, including Yocto build systems, Linux kernel customization, device driver development, and hardware bring-up activities.
• Partner with electrical, mechanical, systems, and flight test engineering teams to define requirements, integrate hardware and software, and support product validation efforts.
• Support development and integration of real-time software systems, including motor control technologies and communication protocols such as bidirectional DShot (BDShot).
• Drive software quality through code reviews, testing, CI/CD processes, and engineering best practices that support reliable and maintainable products.
• Serve as a technical leader within the software organization, helping balance product delivery, technical risk, and long-term platform maintainability.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of software engineering experience, including technical leadership responsibilities.
• Prior experience leading software projects, technical teams, or engineering initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and drive execution across multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong experience developing embedded software in C and C++.
• Experience building software for robotics, aerospace, autonomous systems, industrial automation, or similar embedded platforms.
• Strong understanding of real-time systems and hardware-software integration.
• Experience developing and maintaining embedded Linux systems.
• Strong familiarity with Yocto Project build systems and BSP development.
• Experience deploying and maintaining custom Linux distributions on embedded hardware.
• Experience with Linux kernel configuration, customization, and debugging.
• Hands‑on experience developing or modifying Linux device drivers.
• Familiarity with hardware interfaces including SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, USB, Ethernet, and PCIe.
• Experience integrating software with sensors, communications systems, motor controllers, and embedded hardware.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex issues spanning software, firmware, operating systems, and hardware.
• Experience supporting hardware bring‑up and product development activities.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, MAVLink, or related robotics middleware.
• Experience with ARM‑based embedded processors and microcontrollers.
• Experience with motor control systems, ESC integration, and BDShot protocols.
• Experience with SIL, HIL, or simulation‑based testing environments.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, testing activities, or flight operations.
• Occasional exposure to flight testing, laboratory environments, and industrial equipment.

Background Check

This 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 Disclosure

Red 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-Verify

The company participates E‑Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.