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Ground Control Station Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer, QGC# Software Engineer, QGCSLC, UT 84115## Description## **Position Summary ... ground control station experience for our drone platforms. This role focuses on developing ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Bingen, WA · On-site

$137K - $180K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer This role focuses on designing, developing, and deploying embedded ... Contribute to the development of Ground Control Station (GCS) software, including user interfaces ...

Ground Software Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

$198K - $277K/yr

Lead and grow the Ground Software engineering team, including hiring, mentorship, and performance management * Own the architecture and delivery of the Ground Control Station (GCS) and operator ...

Ground Software Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

$198K - $277K/yr

Lead and grow the Ground Software engineering team, including hiring, mentorship, and performance management * Own the architecture and delivery of the Ground Control Station (GCS) and operator ...

This is a UAS-focused engineering role, and everything you do centers on getting capability onto ... Experience building or extending ground control station software for fixed-wing UAS. * Familiarity ...

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Ground Control Station Software Engineer information

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How much do ground control station software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for ground control station software engineer in the United States is $48.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.51 and $55.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Ground Control Station Software Engineer vs UAV Software Engineer?

AspectGround Control Station Software EngineerUAV Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; experience with embedded systemsBachelor's in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; experience with drone systems
Work EnvironmentDevelops and tests ground control software for drone operationsDesigns and implements software for UAV flight control and navigation
Industry UsageUsed in aerospace, defense, and commercial drone operationsPrimarily in drone manufacturing, research, and commercial applications

Ground Control Station Software Engineers focus on creating software for ground-based control systems, while UAV Software Engineers develop software directly for drone flight and navigation. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications but differ in their specific focus within the drone industry.

What are popular job titles related to Ground Control Station Software Engineer jobs?

For Ground Control Station Software Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Ground Control Station Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,452 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Software Engineer - Ground Systems Command and Control

Oakland, CA • On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

We are a rapidly growing technology startup focused on delivering next-generation drones for security and safety applications. Our company vertically integrates hardware and software to create leading edge capabilities in the UAV space, with a focus on saving lives.

Role Overview

As a Ground Systems Software Engineer, you will be joining the team responsible for the design, development, and fielding of the operator-facing software that connects our autonomous drone systems to the warfighter. You will build ATAK plugins, ground control station interfaces, and C2 integration layers — shaping how operators receive, interpret, and act on information in high-stakes environments. This role is uniquely suited for someone who has been on the receiving end of tactical software and knows what "good" looks like under pressure.

Key Responsibilities
  • Write software in Java/Kotlin and the Android development ecosystem (Android Studio, ADB, Gradle).
  • Ground Control Station Software: Contribute to the development of GCS interfaces for managing ground systems, including system health monitoring, mission configuration, and status visualization.
  • Operator Workflow Design: Collaborate with end users to design UI/UX flows that reflect how operators actually work — minimizing cognitive load, surfacing the right information at the right time, and degrading gracefully when comms or sensors are degraded.
  • Field Testing & Iteration: Deploy with the system to exercises and demonstrations, collect operator feedback firsthand, and rapidly iterate on the software based on real-world use.
Required Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Android Development: Proficiency in Java/Kotlin and the Android development ecosystem (Android Studio, ADB, Gradle).
  • Networking & Protocols: Working knowledge of TCP/UDP networking, serial communication, and XML-based messaging protocols.
  • Systems Thinking: Ability to reason about the full stack from sensor to screen — understanding how latency, data fidelity, and display choices affect operator decision-making.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Military Service: Veterans with experience operating C2, ISR, fires, or air defense systems are strongly encouraged to apply. Firsthand experience using ATAK, FBCB2, AFATDS, or similar tactical SA tools in an operational setting is highly valued. ATAK SDK Experience: Prior experience developing ATAK plugins or working with the TAK ecosystem (TAK Server, CoT, MIL-STD-2525 symbology).
  • Defense Ecosystem Familiarity: Understanding of military procurement, interoperability standards.
  • UI/UX Sensibility: Experience designing interfaces for high-stress, time-critical decision-making — whether in defense, emergency response, or similar operational contexts.
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