FlightWave, a subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is looking to fill a Staff Level PX4 Software Engineer 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 lead the development and optimization of flight control software for our VTOL platforms, with primary focus on PX4 flight stack customization, implementation, and integration. The ideal candidate will have a background in flight control systems, robotics, or aerospace engineering with extensive experience in PX4 development and VTOL aircraft systems.

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 development and customization of PX4 flight stack for VTOL applications
• Design and implement custom flight modes and control algorithms for specific mission requirements
• Develop and maintain flight control parameter optimization for VTOL transition phases
• Develop and maintain autopilot integrations tied to other systems such as payloads and ground control stations.
• Create and maintain automated testing frameworks for flight control software

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Robotics, Computer Science, or related technical field
• 8+ years of software development experience in robotics or aerospace systems
• 5+ years of experience with PX4 or similar flight control systems
• Strong C++ programming skills with real-time systems experience
• Demonstrated experience with VTOL aircraft systems and control
• Experience with flight testing and data analysis
• Proven track record of flight software development in regulated environments
• Strong understanding of control theory and state estimation

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace, Robotics, or related field
• Familiarity with ROS2 and modern robotics frameworks
• Experience with simulation environments (jMAVSim, Gazebo)
• Knowledge of computer vision and autonomous navigation systems
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines for embedded systems
• Background in mission planning and trajectory optimization
• Experience with MAVLINK protocol and custom message development
• Active Part 107 FAA License

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, as required by the duties and responsibilities.
• Adeptness in moving around the office, manufacturing facilities, and other workspaces.

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: $130,000.00 – $145,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health 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