Software Engineer

Software Engineer - Autonomous Drone (Hybrid)

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining full-stack embedded software for drones and connected ground control station applications, as well as companion software that supports new capabilities and additional payloads. You will lead software integration projects for new products, payloads, and interfaces, ensuring robust performance in real-time, high-reliability environments. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will help deliver military-grade autonomous solutions that provide advanced situational awareness and protection in demanding conditions.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain full-stack embedded software for drones, ground control station applications, and companion tools that support new capabilities and payloads.
• Drive software integration projects from concept through deployment for new products, payloads, and interfaces within embedded systems.
• Participate in the design, implementation, testing, debugging, and integration of complex embedded subsystems.
• Conceptualize, develop, implement, and test new software capabilities based on customer requirements and internal stakeholder needs.
• Incorporate feedback and fixes from end users, field teams, and production teams to continually improve software capabilities and offerings.
• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and product teams to ensure seamless hardware and software integration in both existing and new products.
• Troubleshoot and optimize embedded and desktop applications for performance, reliability, and real-time responsiveness.
• Work with clients to integrate upgrades and changes to products, ensuring that software and controllers operate together effectively.
• Collaborate with other internal teams to integrate software into all aspects of products, including robotics and control systems.
• Participate in integration efforts to support customer requests and expanding applications of the product line.
• Apply strong problem-solving skills to independently address technical challenges in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
• Use tools such as Git, Bitbucket, and JIRA to manage code, track work, and support collaborative development.
• Contribute to continuous integration testing and hardware debugging activities using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and related equipment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• 4–8 years of experience developing real-time embedded software for robotics, aerospace, unmanned aircraft, or similar applications.
• Strong proficiency in C++ applied to embedded software and user interfaces for robotics, unmanned aircraft, and aerospace systems.
• Strong proficiency in Python applied to embedded software and user interfaces for robotics, unmanned aircraft, and aerospace systems.
• Experience with networking protocols, hardware/software integration, and real-time data handling.
• Demonstrated ability to design, develop, and test embedded software for high-reliability environments.
• Experience with automated unit testing, static analysis, and/or automated system-level testing.
• Experience with software development for products and controllers that operate together as an integrated system.
• Experience programming microcontrollers in embedded environments.
• Familiarity with robot operating system concepts and robotics programming.
• Understanding of software development for defense or government-related applications.
• Proficiency with Git and Bitbucket for version control and collaboration.
• Experience using JIRA or similar tools for issue tracking and project management.
• Experience with continuous integration (CI) testing workflows.
• Experience with hardware debugging using oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related engineering field.
• Familiarity with ROS (Robot Operating System) and hands-on experience applying control theory in embedded systems.
• Hands-on experience with drones, robotics, or aerospace systems through code design and practical verification.
• Familiarity with STM32 microcontrollers and their programming environments.
• Experience with ArduPilot autopilot systems configured for multi-copters or fixed-wing aircraft.
• Experience working with autonomous or semi-autonomous unmanned systems.

Work Environment

You will work in a fast-paced, start-up environment focused on delivering military-grade autonomous Drone-in-a-Box solutions that operate both on the move and on the ground. The technology stack centers on real-time embedded software for free-flight and tethered UAVs, ground control stations, and companion applications that must perform reliably in hostile and demanding environments. Solutions are designed, developed, and built in the United States with strong support from aerospace, robotics, and software engineering communities. The work involves close collaboration with hardware, systems, and product teams, as well as direct interaction with clients to support integrations, upgrades, and new applications. Day-to-day activities include software development in C++ and Python, integration with networking and embedded systems, use of Git, Bitbucket, and JIRA, and participation in continuous integration testing and hardware debugging using oscilloscopes and logic analyzers. The culture emphasizes innovation, reliability, and mission-focused engineering to provide a versatile ‘eye in the sky’ for protection and situational awareness.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Bethesda, MD.

The pay range for this position is $52.00 - $74.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in North Bethesda,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 21, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.