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Drone Embedded Software Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Drone Embedded Software information

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.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Drone Embedded Software jobs in New Mexico?

For Drone Embedded Software jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drone Embedded Software jobs in New Mexico look for?

The top searched job categories for Drone Embedded Software jobs in New Mexico are:

What cities in New Mexico are hiring for Drone Embedded Software jobs?

Cities in New Mexico with the most Drone Embedded Software job openings:

Senior FPGA / Digital Design Engineer

InvestedintheMission

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain firmware for general purpose, mission-specific, and peripheral interfaces including serial links and communication protocols.

  • Support system integration, testing, and validation of firmware in simulated and real-world aerospace conditions.

  • Collaborate with hardware, software, and electrical engineers to achieve seamless system functionality.


Job description

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

AV Inc, is seeking senior level FPGA engineers to work as members of a multi-disciplinary team supporting multiple technology areas. Our SpaceTech division develops high performance electromechanical, electro-optical, control, and communication systems. These solutions include digital signal processing algorithms deployed using System on Chip (SoC) or Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) in combination with General Purpose Processors (GPPs) and microcontrollers.

On any given day, the selected candidate may be asked to:
  • Develop and maintain general purpose and mission specific firmware
  • Develop and maintain firmware for peripheral interfaces
  • Analog to Digital Converters
  • Digital to Analog Converters
  • Serial links and communication interfaces (SpaceWire, SPI, CameraLink, 1Gb+ Ethernet, MIL-1553B)
  • Develop and maintain automated FPGA firmware platform build scripts
  • Deploy firmware to physical devices
  • Architect and develop firmware for space electronics including FPGAs, microcontrollers, and RTOS-based systems
  • Optimize embedded software for radiation-hardened and high-reliability environments
  • Conduct system integration, testing, and validation of firmware in simulated and real-world aerospace conditions
  • Collaborate with hardware, software, and electrical engineers to achieve seamless system functionality
  • Support compliance with space industry standards (NASA, ESA, MIL-STD)
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or computer science and Five Years experience working with FPGA/Firmware.
  • Knowledge of (serial) communication protocols and standards.
  • Experience with multiple clock-domain digital design techniques.
  • Experience with in-system debuggers and logic analyzers.
  • Experience designing and managing FPGA physical constraints.
  • Experience with Tool Command Language (TCL).
  • Proven, demonstrated experience taking VHDL or Verilog designs to a hardware environment.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Six years of experience using Xilinx devices (Zynq, Virtex / Kintex) and toolchains (Vivado / ISE) and/or Microchip devices (RTAX / ProASIC / RTG4) and toolchains (Libero).
  • Six years of experience designing using hardware description languages (VHDL or Verilog).
  • Six years of experience doing firmware development in embedded systems, preferably for aerospace or space applications.
  • Familiarity with the Xilinx SoC devices.
  • Familiarity with FPGA floorplanning techniques.
  • Familiarity with Xilinx System generator.
  • Familiarity with other computing languages (C/C++, Python, Java).
  • Familiarity with verification techniques including linting and constrained random testing.
  • Knowledge of RTOS, bare-metal firmware, and hardware-software co-design.
  • Experience working with hardware accelerators and space communication protocols.
  • Familiarity with other synthesis and simulation environments (Synposys, Aldec).
ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits
  • AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.
Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

Equal Opportunity Employer statement

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

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