Freelance Python Gis Developer Jobs in St Petersburg, FL

The Mission Software Engineer is responsible for developing the operator-facing software that enables mission planning, command and control, vehicle monitoring, and operational management across the Marcurius portfolio of autonomous maritime systems.

This is a hands-on software engineering role focused on Ground Control Station (GCS) applications, mission planning, user interfaces, telemetry, mapping, and system integration. Working closely with the Lead Autonomy Engineer and multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will develop software that allows operators to safely plan, monitor, command, and supervise autonomous vessels throughout testing and operational deployment.

• Design, develop and maintain mission planning, Ground Control Station (GCS) and command-and-control software for autonomous maritime systems.
• Develop intuitive operator interfaces for mission planning, vehicle monitoring, telemetry, mapping and mission execution.
• Integrate mission software with vehicle autonomy, navigation, communications, propulsion, payload and sensor systems.
• Develop and maintain APIs, middleware and software interfaces between onboard systems and operator applications.
• Support integration with Mission Planner, ArduPilot, PX4 and comparable autonomy frameworks.
• Participate in software integration, harbour trials, sea trials and operational testing, diagnosing and resolving software and system integration issues.
• Analyse telemetry, vehicle logs and mission data to improve software performance, usability and operational reliability.
• Produce technical documentation, software configurations and release records while following engineering and cybersecurity best practices.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Robotics or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• 57 years of professional software engineering experience in robotics, autonomous systems, defence, aerospace or related industries.
• Experience developing mission-planning, Ground Control Station or command-and-control applications.
• Strong programming skills in one or more of: C++, C#, Python, JavaScript/TypeScript or Rust.
• Experience developing graphical user interfaces using frameworks such as Qt, .NET, React or Electron.
• Experience integrating software with hardware, sensors and communications systems.
• Familiarity with Git, software testing and modern software development practices.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and communication skills.

• Experience with Mission Planner, QGroundControl, ArduPilot, PX4 or ROS/ROS2.
• Experience developing software for autonomous maritime, aerial or ground vehicles.
• Experience with mapping, GIS, electronic charts or geospatial applications.
• Experience integrating radar, AIS, LiDAR, EO/IR or other situational-awareness sensors.
• Familiarity with MAVLink, CAN Bus, IP networking and communications systems.
• Experience supporting sea trials, field testing or operational deployments.
• Defence, maritime or autonomous systems experience.

Mission Software is the primary interface between operators and autonomous platforms. This role ensures operators can confidently plan missions, monitor vehicle health, supervise autonomous behaviours and maintain operational awareness during real-world missions. The software developed in this role directly influences mission effectiveness, operator workload and the successful deployment of Marcurius autonomous systems.

Marcurius is a people-first, execution-focused organisation assembling a high-impact team of engineers, operators and mission specialists. This role offers an unusual opportunity to enter the unmanned-maritime sector, receive structured training, work directly with next-generation defense technology and help establish the standards by which future Marcurius USV pilots will be trained and assessed.

Marcurius Multi-Mission Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse, mission-driven team and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

We strongly encourage applications from veterans and individuals with experience or interest in maritime operations, unmanned systems, defense and advanced technology.