Senior Embedded Software Engineer

About the role

Build the embedded software that helps robotic systems operate reliably in complex, real-world environments. Palladyne AI is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer with strong modern C++ experience to develop Linux-based software for our highly innovative Pilot and SwarmOS products. In this role, you will solve system-level performance challenges and drive software and hardware integration across robotic systems. This is a hands-on role with significant ownership and opportunity to grow.

What You’ll Do

• Own and independently develop embedded software for Linux-based robotic systems using modern C++.
• Develop software supporting Palladyne AI’s Pilot and SwarmOS products.
• Drive integration efforts across software and hardware, working through complex technical issues to resolution.
• Work closely with hardware and other engineering teams to integrate, debug, and validate software on physical robotic systems.
• Build software that meets performance, security, reliability, and real-time requirements.
• Develop software that communicates through interprocess communication, internet protocols, and embedded systems protocols.
• Work with modern C++ and system-level functionality, including smart pointers, threads, containers, UNIX system calls, processes, file systems, and database connections.
• Design and document object-oriented software, develop test plans, and build multithreaded and interprocess software that operates within defined time constraints.
• Diagnose and optimize system-level performance to support reliable operation on embedded robotic platforms.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines throughout development, integration, and deployment to customer sites.

What Makes Someone Successful Here

• Works independently and takes ownership of complex technical problems.
• Drives issues from investigation through integration and resolution.
• Works effectively across software, hardware, and robotic systems.
• Communicates clearly and collaborates well across engineering disciplines.
• Writes maintainable code with performance, reliability, security, and timing in mind.

Requirements

• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited university in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering.
• Strong proficiency in modern C++, including multithreading, smart pointers, containers, UNIX system calls, processes, file systems, and database connectivity.
• Experience with system-level programming and optimizing performance of systems.
• Experience managing software projects with Git.
• Experience with multithreaded programming, interprocess communication, and UNIX-style processes.
• Must be able to work on-site in Salt Lake City, Utah.
• Requires the ability to stand or sit for extended time periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with UAVs.
• Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, and MAVLink.
• Experience with Gazebo and Unreal Engine.
• Experience building secure software systems.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• 401(k) with 5% company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flex time off and 12 holidays
• Professional development opportunities

Work Authorization & Clearance

This position requires the ability to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship. Depending on the nature of the work, the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance may be required. Candidates may be asked to provide additional information relevant to clearance eligibility in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.