Software Engineer

Job Title: Software Engineer

Job Description

This role is ideal for a early-career software engineer who has worked with PX4 firmware through academic projects, open-source contributions, or internships and is eager to expand their skills in a real-world aerospace environment focused on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). You will contribute to the development, integration, and testing of flight software while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver robust, integrated UAS solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and modify PX4 firmware to support custom aircraft configurations and mission requirements.

• Integrate sensors, radios, and onboard compute modules using interfaces such as CAN, UART, and I2C.

• Support simulation-based testing using environments such as Gazebo, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL), and Software-in-the-Loop (SITL).

• Assist with flight test activities, including test preparation, flight log collection, log analysis, and software debugging.

• Contribute to Git-based development pipelines, including creating and reviewing merge requests and supporting CI/CD build processes.

• Collaborate with hardware, systems, and flight test teams to deliver fully integrated UAS solutions.

• Write clean, maintainable C++ code and supporting Python scripts to automate tasks and improve development workflows.

• Participate in troubleshooting and resolving low-level firmware and peripheral issues as they arise during development and testing.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in C++ for embedded or firmware development.

• Familiarity with Python for scripting and automation tasks.

• Hands-on experience working with PX4 firmware, gained through school projects, open-source contributions, internships, or personal projects.

• Exposure to Git and modern version control workflows, including branching, merging, and code review.

• Ability to work with common hardware interfaces such as CAN, UART, and I2C.

• Experience contributing to simulation-based testing, such as using Gazebo, HITL, or SITL environments.

• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills, particularly in the context of flight logs and embedded software behavior.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate technical concepts clearly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience developing custom PX4 modules or board targets.

• Familiarity with MAVLink messaging and tools such as QGroundControl.

• Experience using simulation tools such as Gazebo or similar environments to validate flight software.

• Understanding of basic control systems, sensor fusion concepts, or embedded Linux.

• Familiarity with RTOS concepts, DMA, or low-level peripheral debugging for embedded systems.

• Experience with CI/CD systems or GitHub-based workflows.

• Internship, capstone project, or personal project involving drones, robotics, or autonomous systems.

Work Environment

This position is based fully on site in a hands-on aerospace environment. You will work closely with engineers from hardware, systems, and flight test disciplines, with frequent interaction around aircraft, test equipment, and simulation setups. The role involves working with development tools such as PX4, Gazebo, QGroundControl, Git-based repositories, and CI/CD pipelines, as well as interfacing with sensors, radios, and onboard compute modules. The environment supports collaborative problem-solving, rapid iteration, and direct exposure to real flight testing and simulation activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Madison, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $125000.00/yr.

Full benefits with Griffon

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Madison,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

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

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall 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 applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.