Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Embedded Software Engineer

Airbus; Bingen (WA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Profit sharing

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Retirement savings plan

Parental leave

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision,

Life & Disability Insurance

Employee Assistance Plan

Leadership University learning & dev

Job summary

Airbus/Aerovel in Bingen, WA is seeking a proactive Embedded Software Engineer to design, develop, and deploy UAV flight software and Ground Control Station tools. You will collaborate with hardware, systems, and software teams to deliver robust, real-time embedded solutions and intuitive interfaces for autonomous flight.

You will work on embedded Linux platforms, real-time control loops, and modern UI components, leveraging C++, Python, and MATLAB where needed.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in embedded software development.
• Experience with C++.
• Experience with Python.
• Familiarity with embedded Linux or RTOS.
• Exposure to UAV flight control concepts, sensor integration, or telemetry systems
• Experience using Git and development tools such as Gitlab or similar
• Strong focus on writing clean, well-documented code with maintainability
• Familiarity with modern UI software architecture and development practices (Qt, PyQt, or similar frameworks)
• Able to work legally in the US (valid work visa and work authorization)

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain embedded software for UAV flight platforms
• Contribute to the development of Ground Control Station (GCS) software, including user interfaces, telemetry, and mission tools
• Write reliable, maintainable, and well-documented code in C++, C, Python and/or MATLAB
• Develop and support real-time flight software, including control loops, sensor drivers, and mission logic
• Implement and test communication protocols such as UART, CAN, TCP/IP, UDP, and serial
• Design, develop and support software tools for UAV system configuration
• Develop software modules and system services targeting embedded Linux platforms, including process management, device interfaces, and inter-process communication
• Support testing and debugging in both lab environments and during field flight tests
• Collaborate with hardware, electrical, and systems engineers to bring up and integrate new UAV platforms
• Document internal designs, software architecture, and interfaces to support maintainability and team alignment
• Maintain and support existing embedded and ground control software
• Support software tools for UAV system configuration
• Stay current with UAV industry developments and continuously grow your skillset
• Collaborating with other software developers
• Regularly report on activities and progress

Skills

C++

Python

Embedded Linux

RTOS

UAV concepts

Git

Qt (UI)

Education

B.S./M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Gitlab

Job description

Airbus is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as an Equal Opportunity Employer to applicants with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation to complete your application, please contact us at [e-mail]

Notice: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

Notice: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (English)

Aviso: Transparencia en el Pago No Discriminación (Spanish)

Job Description: Airbus/Aerovel is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Embedded Software Engineer to join our team in Bingen, WA. In this role, you will be building cutting-edge UAV systems. You will contribute to the design, development, and deployment of both embedded flight software and ground control station (GCS) software that together enable intelligent and autonomous flight. This role is well-suited to engineers with a solid foundation in embedded systems and 2+ years of experience who are eager to expand their impact. You’ll collaborate closely with hardware, systems, and software teams on projects spanning flight control, communication, navigation, and operator interfaces. We value clean, maintainable code and a growth mindset—engineers who are curious, collaborative, and committed to learning.

Meet The Team: Our Engineers have the privilege of working on complex, highly engineered machines and are involved at all stages of the aircraft life cycle, from product development to manufacturing and direct support to our airline customers. If you’re interested in designing, creating, and testing the present and future of Airbus products across the globe, join our mission to connect the world.

Your Working Environment

Nestled in the heart of the stunning Columbia River Gorge in Bingen, WA, our workplace offers innovation and the ability to contribute to game-changing solutions while enjoying the flexibility to spread your wings. Whether it's solving complex challenges, or celebrating victories, you’ll be part of a cohesive crew that thrives on innovation and the beauty that the Pacific Northwest has to offer!

How We Care for You

Financial Rewards

Competitive base salary, incentive compensation which may include profit sharing schemes, retirement savings plan and the ability to participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”).

Work/Life Balance

Paid time off including personal time, holidays and a generous paid parental leave program.

Health & Welfare

Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical (traditional and high-deductible health plans), prescription, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (“EAP”) and other supplemental benefit coverages.

Individual Development

Upskilling and development opportunities through our global Leadership University, including unlimited access to 10,000+ e-learning courses focusing on ways to develop your employability, certifications, career path as well as the opportunity to participate in accelerated development programmes and both national and international mobility.

Your Challenges

Software Development (~55%)

• Design, implement, and maintain embedded software for UAV flight platforms
• Contribute to the development of Ground Control Station (GCS) software, including user interfaces, telemetry, and mission tools
• Write reliable, maintainable, and well-documented code in C++, C, Python and/or MATLAB
• Develop and support real-time flight software, including control loops, sensor drivers, and mission logic
• Implement and test communication protocols such as UART, CAN, TCP/IP, UDP, and serial
• Design, develop and support software tools for UAV system configuration
• Develop software modules and system services targeting embedded Linux platforms, including process management, device interfaces, and inter-process communication

Testing & Integration (~20%)

• Support testing and debugging in both lab environments and during field flight tests
• Collaborate with hardware, electrical, and systems engineers to bring up and integrate new UAV platforms

Documentation & Architecture (~10%)

• Document internal designs, software architecture, and interfaces to support maintainability and team alignment

Support & Maintenance (~10%)

• Maintain and support existing embedded and ground control software
• Support software tools for UAV system configuration

Professional Development (~5%)

• Stay current with UAV industry developments and continuously grow your skillset
• Collaborating with other software developers
• Regularly report on activities and progress

Your Boarding Pass

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in embedded software development, either through industry roles or substantial project work
• Experience with C++.
• Experience with Python.
• Familiarity with embedded Linux or real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Exposure to UAV flight control concepts, sensor integration, or telemetry systems
• Experience using Git and development tools such as Gitlab or similar
• Strong focus on writing clean, well-documented code with an emphasis on maintainability
• Familiarity with modern UI software architecture and development practices (e.g., Qt, PyQt, or similar frameworks)
• Able to work legally in the US (valid work visa and work authorization)

Preferred Education/Skills

• M.S in Embedded System Engineering, Software Engineering, Control System Engineering
• Experience with UAV autopilot software
• Exposure to Ground Control Station software
• Hands-on experience with UAV flight testing or platform integration
• Awareness of aerospace safety standards or robust software validation practices
• Basic understanding of aircraft systems, particularly in the areas of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC).
• Exposure to real-time operating systems (RTOS) and/or safety-critical software environments.

Physical Requirements

• Onsite or remote: 95% Onsite.
• Vision: able to see and read computer screens and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents, reports and engineering drawings daily.
• Hearing: able to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds on the production floor including safety warnings or alarms daily.
• Speaking: able to speak in conversations and meetings, deliver information and participate in communications daily.
• Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment and some tools including production tools such as hydraulic lifts daily.
• Carrying: able to carry documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs daily.
• Lifting: able to lift documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30lbs/14kgs daily.
• Pushing / Pulling: able to push and pull small office furniture and some equipment and tools daily.
• Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on the computer daily.
• Squatting / Kneeling: able to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items stored on low shelving.
• Standing: able to stand for discussions in offices or on the production floor daily.
• Travel: able to travel independently and at short notice several times a month.
• Walking (include routine walking such as to a shared printer to retrieve documents): able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces daily.

Personal Protective Equipment required

• Required PPE includes, but is not limited to, Safety Shoes, Safety Glasses, Hearing Protection, Respirators/Masks, and/or Protective Gloves as required by site and/or customer site
• Administrative position only PPE required: Steel-toed shoes are required for all shop floor visits, appropriate hearing/eye protection may also be required when visiting the shop floor.

Salary range based on the required profile: $81,000 - $114,000/year. Actual minimum and maximum may vary based on geographic differential. Individual pay is based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors.

Employment Type: US - Direct Hire

Experience Level: Professional

Remote Type: On-site

Job Family: Software Engineering

Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail]. Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically-advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide. From sending your resume to participating in successful interviews, here you can access all important pieces of information to guide you in your candidate journey.