Embedded Software Engineer

Embedded Software Engineer - Autonomy & Robotics Location This role can be based in Ann Arbor, MI or Fort Walton Beach, FL, Sunnyvale, CA, Washington, District of Columbia, depending on preference. Apera is partnering with an innovative robotics and autonomy company building advanced systems across the defense and commercial space. They’re looking for an Embedded Software Engineer to work at the intersection of hardware, software, and autonomous systems — integrating cutting-edge technology directly onto vehicle platforms and supporting real-world testing and deployment. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys solving complex integration challenges, working with robotics hardware, and seeing their software operate in the real world. What You’ll Do Design, develop, and integrate modular autonomy capabilities across complex defense applications Integrate autonomy software onto embedded Linux and hardware platforms, including sensors and data collection systems Integrate software with aircraft autopilots, datalinks, sensors, PNT/GPS/INS, ground control stations, and other vehicle systems Support SIL, HIL, and live flight testing of autonomy software across Group 1-5 UAVs Troubleshoot complex hardware/software integration challenges and optimize system reliability and performance Work closely with autonomy engineers to integrate service-oriented architecture and inter-process messaging systems Partner with third-party UAS/OEM vendors to deploy autonomy software onto real-world vehicle platforms Collaborate directly with DoD warfighter experts and customers to develop, integrate, test, and demonstrate autonomous systems Support system-level setup, testing, validation, and customer-facing demonstrations What You’ll Bring BS or MS in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related engineering field 3+ years of hands-on robotics experience spanning hardware, software, and system integration Strong C++ programming experience Experience integrating robotics/autonomy systems with Pixhawk, ArduPilot, and/or PX4 Experience with communication buses and protocols such as UART/RS232/RS422/RS485, SPI/QSPI, I2C, and Ethernet Experience with Linux-based environments such as Ubuntu or RHEL Experience with Docker and containerized deployment environments Familiarity with Git, GitLab, and VS Code Understanding of real-time, edge computing, and/or safety-critical systems Experience working in SIL, HIL, test, and/or operational environments Strong communication skills and a customer-oriented mindset Willingness to travel approximately 10-20% for onsite integration and demonstrations U.S. Citizenship and eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance #J-18808-Ljbffr Apera