C++ Software Engineer

About Powerus

Powerus is building a next-generation American autonomous systems platform designed to move, protect, and sustain critical assets in high-consequence environments. The company combines advanced autonomy, manufacturing capability, operational expertise, and strategic acquisitions to support defense, national security, critical infrastructure, and commercial operations globally.

Mission

Our mission is to deliver resilient autonomous technologies that strengthen national security, improve operational safety, and expand the capabilities of organizations operating in complex environments.

Why Join Powerus

The core of Powerus aircraft and ground station software is written in C++: real-time control loops, sensor and datalink handling, and the services that move telemetry and video between them. That code must be fast, deterministic, and maintainable across several aircraft variants.

This role develops and maintains core C++ components and the shared libraries used across the Powerus software stack.

Position Overview

Powerus is seeking a C++ Software Engineer to develop real-time and performance-critical software for autonomous aircraft and ground control systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop C++ components for onboard and ground software, including messaging, logging, and device interfaces
• Maintain shared libraries used across aircraft variants and ground systems
• Profile and optimize CPU, memory, and latency on embedded Linux targets
• Write unit and integration tests and maintain continuous integration coverage
• Participate in design and code review
• Support integration and flight test

Qualifications

• Must be located in the United States, within commuting distance of Rock Hill, SC
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience
• Professional experience developing software in modern C++ (C++17 or later)
• Experience with multithreaded and real-time or latency-sensitive software
• Experience with Linux, CMake, and debugging and profiling tools
• Strong knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and software design
• Experience with version control and code review
• U.S. Person status required (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)); this role involves access to ITAR- and EAR-controlled technical data

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with embedded Linux or cross-compilation
• Experience with DDS, ZeroMQ, or other messaging middleware
• Experience with robotics, aerospace, or other real-time systems
• Experience with Python for tooling and test
• Active or prior U.S. security clearance

What We Look For

Candidates should have owned C++ code in a performance- or latency-critical system and be able to describe a performance problem they found and fixed.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Powerus is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and mission-driven workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.