FlightWave, a subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is looking to fill a Senior Embedded Linux SWE position. We are a dynamic and growing drone technology company focused on the manufacturing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS drones) for use in defense, public safety, and other government security organizations.

In this role, you will develop and optimize embedded Linux systems for autonomous drone platforms, including implementing NVIDIA/Qualcomm-based edge computing solutions, customizing kernels, creating device drivers, and building robust real-time software systems for mission-critical UAS applications. The ideal candidate will have a background in embedded systems engineering with extensive Linux kernel development experience, demonstrated expertise in C++ and CUDA programming, and a strong track record of optimizing software for resource-constrained environments.

Location Note: The role will start in Santa Monica, but the office is expected to move to the Long Beach area in Q1 2025.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of Linux-based operating system for FlightWave’s Edge 130 VTOL platform, with focus on NVIDIA Jetson implementation
• Design and maintain custom Linux distributions using Yocto Project, ensuring optimal performance for mission-critical payload operations
• Implement and maintain bootloader configurations and secure boot implementations
• Contribute to core autonomy services including navigation, mission planning, and payload control systems
• Optimize system performance for edge computing, focusing on real-time processing capabilities for autonomous operations
• Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines for embedded Linux builds and testing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field
• 8+ years of experience in embedded systems development
• 5+ years of experience with Linux kernel development and customization
• Strong proficiency in C++ programming and software optimization
• Demonstrated experience with NVIDIA platforms, including CUDA programming
• Experience with embedded Linux development using Yocto Project
• Proven track record of kernel driver development and bootloader configuration
• Experience with cross-compilation techniques and toolchain management
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills in embedded environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Experience with autonomous systems or robotics applications
• Knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS) and real-time Linux implementations
• Experience with computer vision and AI/ML deployment on edge devices
• Experience with drone or aerospace systems
• Knowledge of inter-process communication techniques and transport layers for robotics systems (ROS, LCM, etc.)

Additional Information

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology, or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

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Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $140,000.00 – $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• What range are you targeting for this position, based on what you know about it now? (It is understood that your targeted pay range may be negotiable based upon the responsibilities of the position, but a range is required to be considered.)

Ability to Relocate:

• Santa Monica, CA 90403: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person