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Senior Autopilot Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Top Engineer

Senior Software Engineer

Jessup, MD · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Step into a high-impact Senior Software Engineer opportunity with a confidential client, where you will help drive meaningful results across Automotive/ Motor Vehicles. This ...

Doppel Inc

Software Engineer, Autopilot

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $350K/yr

Countless scams, deepfakes, and other social engineering attacks are surging across every digital channel: websites, social media, ads, encrypted messaging apps, mobile, and more. Our mission is ...

AEVEX

Software Engineer 2

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$96K - $131K/yr

... senior members of the software department. They have a strong understanding of programming ... Proficiency with developing Autopilot systems, ground control stations, or flight simulation ...

Top Engineer

Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Step into a high-impact Senior Software Engineer opportunity with a confidential client, where you will help drive meaningful results across Aerospace / Defense,Software.

AEVEX

Software Engineer 2

Washington, DC

$110K - $151K/yr

... senior members of the software department. They have a strong understanding of programming ... Proficiency with developing Autopilot systems, ground control stations, or flight simulation ...

Pantomath

Sr. Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$17K - $260K/yr

Job Summary At Pantomath, we are building the autopilot for the data-driven enterprise. Today, data ... The Opportunity We're looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join our founding engineering team ...

AEVEX

Sr. Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Job Overview A Senior Software Engineer leads the software development team as they create software ... Prior experience developing Autopilot systems, ground control stations, or flight simulation ...

AEVEX

Sr. Software Engineer

Washington, DC

$138K - $182K/yr

Job Overview A Senior Software Engineer leads the software development team as they create software ... Prior experience developing Autopilot systems, ground control stations, or flight simulation ...

General Atomics

Software Developer III

Poway, CA · On-site

$98K - $171K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Engineer to design, develop, and enhance UAV autopilot software. As part of GA-ASI, you'll work on groundbreaking projects that directly support ...

Proven Software

$140K - $170K/yr

Join Proven as a Senior Software Engineer and experience the thrill of working in a dynamic, fully remote but fully engaged environment. You will be part of a passionate team dedicated to crafting ...

General Atomics

Software Developer III

Poway, CA · On-site

$98K - $171K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Engineer to design, develop, and enhance UAV autopilot software. As part of GA-ASI, you'll work on groundbreaking projects that directly support ...

Ditto

Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy

Richmond, VA · On-site

$121K - $159K/yr

... autopilot firmware. Solve Problems in Real-Time: Act as the first line of technical defense ... software engineering, autonomous systems development, or related fields. This includes hands-on ...

Ditto

$223K - $259K/yr

... autopilot firmware. * Solve Problems in Real-Time: Act as the first line of technical defense ... software engineering, autonomous systems development, or related fields. This includes hands-on ...

Ditto

Senior Software Engineer, Autonomy

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$135K - $178K/yr

... autopilot firmware. Solve Problems in Real-Time: Act as the first line of technical defense ... software engineering, autonomous systems development, or related fields. This includes hands-on ...

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Senior Autopilot Software Engineer information

See salary details

$75.5K

$143.3K

$192K

How much do senior autopilot software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior autopilot software engineer in the United States is $143,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,500.00 and $161,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Autopilot Software Engineer vs Autopilot Software Engineer?

AspectSenior Autopilot Software EngineerAutopilot Software Engineer
ExperienceTypically 5+ years in autopilot or related software developmentEntry to mid-level, 1-3 years experience
ResponsibilitiesLeading complex autopilot system design, mentoring, project oversightDeveloping and testing autopilot features, collaborating with teams
QualificationsBachelor's/Master's in CS, Electrical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's in related field, some certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentSenior roles often involve leadership, architecture decisionsFocus on coding, testing, and implementation

The main difference lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership scope. Senior Autopilot Software Engineers typically lead projects and mentor others, while Autopilot Software Engineers focus on development and testing tasks. Both roles require strong technical skills and industry knowledge, but the senior position involves more strategic oversight and expertise.

How does a Senior Autopilot Software Engineer typically collaborate with hardware and testing teams during development?

As a Senior Autopilot Software Engineer, collaboration with hardware and testing teams is crucial for ensuring seamless integration and high system reliability. You'll work closely with hardware engineers to align software requirements with sensor and actuator capabilities, and you’ll regularly coordinate with testing teams to design and analyze simulation and real-world test scenarios. Effective communication and cross-functional meetings are common, allowing you to quickly identify and resolve integration issues, optimize performance, and deliver robust autonomous driving features.

What does a Senior Autopilot Software Engineer do?

A Senior Autopilot Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing the software that controls autonomous driving systems in vehicles. This includes working on algorithms for perception, decision making, control, and system integration to enable safe and reliable self-driving capabilities. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that the autopilot system meets performance, safety, and regulatory standards. Additionally, they may mentor junior engineers and help guide technical direction for the team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Autopilot Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Autopilot Software Engineer, you need advanced programming skills (especially in C++ and Python), a strong background in computer science or engineering, and experience with robotics, machine learning, or autonomous systems. Familiarity with simulation tools, sensor fusion frameworks, real-time operating systems, and relevant certifications (such as in safety-critical software) is highly valued. Exceptional problem-solving, collaboration, and communication abilities help you navigate complex technical challenges and work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the development of safe, reliable, and innovative autonomous driving solutions that meet rigorous industry standards.
Junior Software Engineer - PX4 Autopilot Systems

Junior Software Engineer - PX4 Autopilot Systems

Griffon Aerospace

Madison, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

Griffon Aerospace is a trusted aerospace solutions provider based in Madison, Alabama, specializing in the design, development, and operation of advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Since 1995, we have delivered over 12,000 unmanned air vehicles to the Department of Defense, allied nations, and commercial customers. We pride ourselves on being a lion-hearted partner, designing, building, and flying the most capable and intelligent aerial systems that give our servicemen an unfair advantage wherever they fly.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Junior Software Engineer with hands-on experience in PX4-based flight control systems to join our growing UAS development team. You will contribute to the design, integration, and validation of custom flight software for advanced unmanned aerial platforms, supporting development, simulation, and flight test operations.

This role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career engineer who has worked on PX4 firmware, either in school projects, open-source contributions, or internships, and is looking to expand their skills in a real-world aerospace environment.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop and modify PX4 firmware for custom aircraft configurations.
  • Integrate sensors, radios, and onboard compute modules using CAN, UART, and I2C interfaces.
  • Support simulation-based testing using Gazebo, HITL, and SITL environments.
  • Assist with flight test support, log analysis, and software debugging.
  • Contribute to Git-based development pipelines, including merger requests and CI/CD builds.
  • Collaborate across disciplines (hardware, systems, flight test) to deliver integrated UAS solutions.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • Hands-on experience with PX4 Autopilot firmware (custom module, parameter tuning, board bring-up, or sensor drivers).
  • Proficiency in C++ and familiarity with Python for scripting.
  • Exposure to Git and modern version control workflows.
  • Understanding basic control systems, sensor fusion, or embedded Linux a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with:
    • Custom PX4 modules or board targets.
    • MAVLink messaging and QGroundControl.
    • Simulation tools (Gazebo, jMAVSim).
    • GitLab or GitHub workflows.
  • Familiarity with RTOS concepts, DMA, or low-level peripheral debugging.
  • Internship, capstone, or personal project involving drones or robotics.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Mentorship and training from experienced aerospace professionals.
  • Opportunities for career growth and project ownership.
  • Collaborative and innovative work environment.

US CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED

  • Yes

ABILITY TO OBTAIN SECURITY CLEARANCE

  • Yes

Job Posted by ApplicantPro