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Drone Embedded Software Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Drone Embedded Software information

How does a drone embedded software engineer typically collaborate with hardware and flight operations teams?

Drone Embedded Software engineers work closely with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration between software and drone components, such as sensors and flight controllers. Regular communication with flight operations teams is essential to gather feedback on drone performance and troubleshoot any issues discovered during test flights. This collaborative environment helps accelerate development, improve reliability, and ensures that software updates align well with evolving hardware and operational requirements.

What is the difference between Drone Embedded Software vs Drone Firmware Developer?

AspectDrone Embedded SoftwareDrone Firmware Developer
CredentialsKnowledge of embedded systems, programming languages (C/C++), electronicsSimilar credentials, often with embedded systems experience
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing software for drone hardwareDeveloping low-level firmware for drone controllers
Industry UsageUsed across drone manufacturing and R&DPrimarily in hardware-focused drone companies
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in drone software developmentFocusing on firmware-specific tasks in drones

Drone Embedded Software and Drone Firmware Developer roles overlap significantly, both requiring embedded systems knowledge and working within the drone industry. The main difference lies in scope: embedded software covers a broader range of software applications within drones, while firmware developers focus specifically on low-level hardware control. Both roles are essential for drone development and often share similar qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone embedded software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Embedded Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science or electrical engineering, proficiency in C/C++, and experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and embedded systems. Familiarity with tools such as Git, JTAG debuggers, and communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART), as well as knowledge of drone-specific hardware platforms, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this role. These skills ensure reliable, efficient, and safe drone operation, which is critical for both performance and regulatory compliance.

What is a drone embedded software engineer?

Drone embedded software engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain the software that runs directly on the hardware of drones. This software controls essential functions such as flight control, navigation, communication, and sensor integration. Embedded software is optimized for real-time performance and reliability, often written in languages like C or C++. These engineers work closely with hardware teams to ensure seamless integration and efficient operation of drones in various applications, from aerial photography to industrial inspections.
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Drone Embedded Software jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Drone Embedded Software job openings:

Senior Robotics & Embedded Systems Engineer (UAS / C-V2X)

Iflyasx

Detroit, MI • On-site

$120 - $190/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Back to All Roles

Senior Robotics & Embedded Systems Engineer (UAS / C-V2X)

Posted on:

January 5, 2024

LEARNMORE

Overview

Airspace Experience Technologies (ASX: iflyasx.com) is a startup founded in 2017 with a mission to advance mobility for the mass traveling public by repurposing automotive electric vehicle technologies, safety systems, and mass production techniques. ASX has been awarded multiple patents and DoD/State contracts for our heavy lift electric VTOL platform and AeroNet UTM product.

Our goal in developing our AeroNet advanced mobility devices and AeroNet UTM back office is to create an international practice for enhanced mobility management with a web-based Common Operation Picture (COP). This platform gives municipalities and infrastructure operators the tools to license, authenticate, monitor, and facilitate collision avoidance for connected vehicles on the ground and in the air. Our ultimate objective is to integrate automated systems at scale using international standards while improving safety, security, and efficiency of automated robotic systems within the “public square.”

We're seeking talented individuals with a passion for connected intelligent mobility to join our limited number of technical positions.

Job Description

Lead the engineering effort for the embedded software environment. Responsible for defining build systems, testing standards, and deployment pipelines.

This role involves direct collaboration with the AeroNet system architect to oversee firmware, operating system integration, and system reliability during the transition from simulation to live flight.

US citizenship is required by ASX’s customers and sponsors.

Location: Detroit, MI (Please note that this position does not include reimbursement for relocation or interview travel)

Start Date: ASAP

Why Join Us?
  • Autonomy: Define software standards and architecture for the engineering team.
  • Impact: Build the core safety layer enabling scalable drone operations.
  • Environment: Direct access to leadership with a focus on rapid hardware deployment.
Requirements
  • C++ Proficiency: Strong knowledge of C++17 with a focus on safety, memory management, move semantics, and zero-copy data handling.
  • Embedded Linux Build Systems: Experience constructing toolchains (crosstool-NG, Yocto, Buildroot), managing glibc versioning, and debugging kernel-level issues on target hardware without package managers.
  • Robotics/UAS Frameworks: Experience with PX4, MAVSDK, or MAVROS. Understanding of flight stack architecture and offboard control.
  • Network Fundamentals: Knowledge of serialization, endianness management, and UDP data handling over constrained links.
  • System Lifecycle: Experience taking products from prototype to production, including implementation of logging, error handling, and watchdogs.
  • Configuration Management: Implement a robust configuration management system.
  • US citizenship is required by ASX’s customers and sponsors.
Bonus Skills
  • C-V2X / DSRC: Experience with SAE J2735 standards or Qualcomm Telux/Automotive SDKs.
  • Control Theory: Understanding of kinematic constraints, PID loops, or path planning.
  • RTOS: Experience migrating Linux logic to Real-Time Operating Systems (FreeRTOS, ThreadX, QNX).
Responsibilities
  • System Architecture: Design software structure for reliability and maintainability. Transition current ad-hoc build environments into robust, reproducible cross-compilation workflows.
  • Embedded Integration: Manage C++17 runtime on ARMv7 targets. Resolve ABI compatibility issues, manage custom toolchains, and optimize performance for real‑time constraints.
  • Feature Implementation: Lead development of automated landing logic, fail-safe state machines, and precision collision avoidance tuning.
  • Validation Strategy: Design and implement testing frameworks, moving from simple simulation to structured Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Continuous Integration (CI) pipelines.
  • Production Readiness: Ensure system robustness against edge cases, including packet loss, sensor noise, and control saturation.
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