Principal Software Engineer (Autonomous Systems)

Company Overview

Founded in 2004 with locations in Atlanta, GA, Fort Worth, TX, Denver, CO, & Huntsville, AL, Thompson Software Solutions (TSS) is a mission‑driven aerospace and defense software and systems engineering company supporting the U.S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. The company specializes in the development, integration, test, and deployment of safety‑ and mission‑critical software systems that power next‑generation aircraft, defense platforms, and space technologies. TSS modernizes complex embedded systems while maintaining the rigor, compliance, and reliability required for mission‑ and safety‑critical environments.

About the Role

Thompson Software Solutions is seeking a senior‑level Embedded Software Engineer to provide innovative solutions for tomorrow’s problems. The position requires applying a wide range of technical principles, theories, and concepts in the software field to develop, integrate, and test software products. The successful candidate will be a member of a high‑performing multi‑site team, working both independently on projects and collaboratively with other software engineers and program development and deployment teams. Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information, with continued eligibility required throughout employment.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of strong software development experience using C, C++, Java, Python, and Bash for embedded systems, automation, testing, and application development.
• Experience developing and configuring autonomous flight systems using ArduPilot and/or PX4 flight controllers.
• Experience with UAS/UAV or RC aircraft operations, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Proficient with Git for source control, branching strategies, code reviews, and collaborative software development.
• Understanding of robotics, autonomous systems, flight software, sensor integration, and embedded system design.
• Proficient with Linux and Windows development environments.
• Ability to professionally communicate project status and collaborate on technical solutions with clients and peers.
• Ability to obtain a Secret DoD security clearance.
• 25% travel.

Preferred / Additional Skills

• Proficient with Atlassian tools (Confluence, JIRA, Bitbucket, etc.).
• Familiarity with the MAVLink communication protocol, including telemetry, command‑and‑control messaging, mission planning, and integration with ground control stations.
• DevOps & containerization experience, including Docker‑based development, deployment, and maintaining CI/CD pipelines.
• Embedded systems development for microcontrollers and hardware platforms.
• Autonomy systems experience, including perception (sensors, computer vision, sensor fusion), motion and mission planning, and control systems.
• Test & verification engineering – creating automated tests, validation frameworks, and verification software.
• Software quality & CI/CD – designing and maintaining robust software quality processes, automated builds, testing, and deployment pipelines.
• Electrical engineering fundamentals – ability to read and understand electrical schematics and collaborate with hardware teams.
• Experience communicating and documenting complex technical designs.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, team‑based environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Active DoD Secret security clearance.

Benefits

• Low‑cost medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
• 401(k) with generous employer match.
• Paid time off plus paid holidays.
• Remote work opportunities based on role.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Career growth and professional development opportunities.

Pay

Compensation: $160,000 – $208,000 plus bonus eligibility.