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Pdw Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Performance Drone Works

Material Handler

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of ...

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Pdw information

What is a pdw?

PDW stands for Personal Defense Weapon, which is a type of compact firearm designed for self-defense and close-quarters combat. PDWs are typically lighter and smaller than traditional rifles, making them easier to handle and carry. They are often used by military personnel, law enforcement, and security teams who need effective firepower in confined spaces. These weapons bridge the gap between submachine guns and assault rifles, offering high-capacity magazines and the ability to penetrate body armor.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pdw?

To thrive as a Professional Development Worker, you need strong skills in training facilitation, program development, and adult education, often supported by a background in education or human resources. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), digital content creation tools, and certifications like CPLP or ATD can be advantageous. Excellent communication, adaptability, and interpersonal skills help build rapport and effectively address diverse learners' needs. These skills ensure impactful training experiences that drive organizational growth and employee development.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Product Design and Development (PD&D) teams?

Professionals in Product Design and Development (PD&D) often encounter challenges such as balancing creativity with technical feasibility, managing tight project timelines, and aligning diverse stakeholder expectations. Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams—including engineering, marketing, and manufacturing—are crucial to ensure the final product meets both user needs and business objectives. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing market trends and incorporating user feedback throughout the development process are key aspects that require flexibility and strong problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Pdw vs Welder?

AspectPdwWelder
Required CertificationsTypically includes certifications like AWS Certified Welder or specific pipe welding certificationsOften requires AWS certification or equivalent depending on the welding type
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in industrial settings, pipelines, and manufacturing plantsIn construction sites, manufacturing, repair shops, and industrial facilities
Industry UsageCommon in pipeline construction, oil & gas, and heavy industryWidely used across construction, manufacturing, and repair industries

While both Pdw (Pipe Welding) and Welders perform welding tasks, Pdw specialists focus specifically on pipe welding, often requiring specialized certifications and working mainly in pipeline and heavy industry environments. Welders have a broader scope, working on various metal structures across multiple industries.

What are popular job titles related to Pdw jobs in Alabama?

For Pdw jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pdw jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Pdw jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Pdw jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Pdw job openings:

Pdw jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pdw job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Principal Software Engineer, Manufacturing Test

Performance Drone Works

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$133K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.
You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.
What You'll Do
  • Lead the design, implementation, deployment, and sustainment of manufacturing test software systems supporting assembly, integration, calibration, and final system validation in production.
  • Architect scalable software frameworks for automated production test fixtures, diagnostics, telemetry collection, and hardware validation workflows.
  • Own software configuration management, deployment pipelines, version control, and release processes for manufacturing and production environments.
  • Develop robust automation tools and scripts using Python, Bash, PowerShell, or similar technologies to streamline production operations and reduce operator error.
  • Design and maintain Linux-based manufacturing systems including user management, permissions, networking, package management, and system hardening.
  • Partner with electrical, firmware, and mechanical engineering teams to integrate software with embedded systems, sensors, robotics hardware, and test instrumentation.
  • Drive root-cause analysis investigations related to manufacturing defects, test failures, production escapes, and system reliability issues.
  • Establish software validation methodologies to ensure production systems meet product requirements, configuration control, quality standards, and operational readiness criteria.
  • Improve manufacturing throughput, test coverage, traceability, and process repeatability through automation and data-driven decision making.
  • Develop tools and infrastructure for data collection, serialization, logging, and transport across manufacturing and test systems to track 'as built' FW/SW configuration.
  • Mentor junior engineers and manufacturing personnel on software best practices, debugging methodologies, and test system operation.
  • Contribute to long-term manufacturing software strategy, tooling standardization, and production scalability initiatives.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with production, quality, supply chain, field operations, and product engineering teams to improve system reliability and operational efficiency.
  • Support deployment, troubleshooting, training, and sustainment activities across manufacturing and operational environments as needed, leveraging Admin/IT support.
  • Partner with product engineering teams to improve design-for-manufacturability throughout the product lifecycle.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related technical field.
  • 10+ years of professional experience in software engineering, manufacturing automation, robotics, embedded systems, or production test environments, including technical leadership of complex systems.
  • Strong proficiency in Python and at least one additional scripting or systems language such as Bash, PowerShell, or C/C++.
  • Experience designing scalable automated manufacturing test systems, reusable hardware test frameworks, and hardware-in-the-loop validation infrastructure.
  • Deep expertise in Linux-based systems administration, deployment automation, networking, security, system services, and package management in production engineering or manufacturing environments.
  • Experience with software configuration management, source control, CI/CD practices, and release management workflows.
  • Familiarity with hardware interfaces and communication protocols such as UART, CAN, Ethernet, USB, I2C, SPI, or serial communications.
  • Strong understanding of robotics, drones, electromechanical systems, embedded hardware, or autonomous systems.
  • Experience troubleshooting integrated hardware/software systems in fast-paced production environments.
  • Proficiency with data serialization and transport technologies such as JSON, Protobuf, REST interfaces, or similar frameworks.
  • Ability to interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
  • Excellent analytical, debugging, communication, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives and drive projects and teams with minimal oversight.
  • Experience with PostgreSQL, SQLite, TimescaleDB, InfluxDB, or similar data storage systems used for manufacturing traceability and analytics.
  • Experience building production telemetry, yield analysis, and traceability systems that support manufacturing decision making.
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required.

Preferred
  • Experience developing production or engineering tools using Qt Framework or Python Qt bindings (PyQt/PySide).
  • Experience with automated test equipment, instrumentation, hardware validation systems.
  • Familiarity supporting manufacturing execution systems (MES), ERP integrations, or production traceability systems in HV production.
  • Experience supporting products operating under quality management systems in robotics, automotive, or other regulated industries in medium to high-volume production.
  • Familiarity with containerization, virtualization, or infrastructure automation technologies to optimize resources, application deployments and updates.
  • Experience with PLCs and industrial communication control systems protocols (i.e.: OPC UA, SCADA).
  • Candidates with experience in sUAV, robotics development, and/or hobby drones.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as standard machine shop equipment. Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.
Work Environment
This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office and manufacturing equipment and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.
Benefits
PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:
  • Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
  • Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
  • Paid Parental Leave.
  • On-site gym at Huntsville, AL & Denver, CO locations.
  • Employer provided life insurance.
  • Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
  • Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement
PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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