Red Cat Holdings
Senior PX4 Software Engineer
Job Details
Job Location
Flightwave - Carson, CA
Salary Range
$130000.00 - $160000.00 Salary
Description
Position Summary
FlightWave, a subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is looking to fill a Senior PX4 Software Engineer position. We are a dynamic and growing drone technology company focused on the manufacturing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS drones) for use in defense, public safety, and other government security organizations.
In this role, you will lead the development and optimization of flight control software for our VTOL platforms, with primary focus on PX4 flight stack customization, implementation, and integration. The ideal candidate will have a background in flight control systems, robotics, or aerospace engineering with extensive experience in PX4 development and VTOL aircraft systems.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Lead development and customization of PX4 flight stack for VTOL applications
Design and implement custom flight modes and control algorithms for specific mission requirements
Develop and maintain flight control parameter optimization for VTOL transition phases
Develop and maintain autopilot integrations tied to other systems such as payloads and ground control stations.
Create and maintain automated testing frameworks for flight control software
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Robotics, Computer Science, or related technical field
8+ years of software development experience in robotics or aerospace systems
5+ years of experience with PX4 or similar flight control systems
Strong C++ programming skills with real-time systems experience
Demonstrated experience with VTOL aircraft systems and control
Experience with flight testing and data analysis
Proven track record of flight software development in regulated environments
Strong understanding of control theory and state estimation
Additional Desired Qualifications
Master's degree in Aerospace, Robotics, or related field
Familiarity with ROS2 and modern robotics frameworks
Experience with simulation environments (jMAVSim, Gazebo)
Knowledge of computer vision and autonomous navigation systems
Experience with CI/CD pipelines for embedded systems
Background in mission planning and trajectory optimization
Experience with MAVLINK protocol and custom message development
Active Part 107 FAA License
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand for extended periods, as required by the duties and responsibilities.
Adeptness in moving around the office, manufacturing facilities, and other workspaces.
Background Check
This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.
EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure
Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.
E-Verify
The company participates E-Verify (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf) ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf) rules.
Compensation: $130-160K plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.
Job Details
Job Location
Flightwave - Carson, CA
Salary Range
$130000.00 - $160000.00 Salary
Description
Position Summary
FlightWave, a subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings, is looking to fill a Senior PX4 Software Engineer position. We are a dynamic and growing drone technology company focused on the manufacturing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS drones) for use in defense, public safety, and other government security organizations.
In this role, you will lead the development and optimization of flight control software for our VTOL platforms, with primary focus on PX4 flight stack customization, implementation, and integration. The ideal candidate will have a background in flight control systems, robotics, or aerospace engineering with extensive experience in PX4 development and VTOL aircraft systems.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Lead development and customization of PX4 flight stack for VTOL applications
Design and implement custom flight modes and control algorithms for specific mission requirements
Develop and maintain flight control parameter optimization for VTOL transition phases
Develop and maintain autopilot integrations tied to other systems such as payloads and ground control stations.
Create and maintain automated testing frameworks for flight control software
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Robotics, Computer Science, or related technical field
8+ years of software development experience in robotics or aerospace systems
5+ years of experience with PX4 or similar flight control systems
Strong C++ programming skills with real-time systems experience
Demonstrated experience with VTOL aircraft systems and control
Experience with flight testing and data analysis
Proven track record of flight software development in regulated environments
Strong understanding of control theory and state estimation
Additional Desired Qualifications
Master's degree in Aerospace, Robotics, or related field
Familiarity with ROS2 and modern robotics frameworks
Experience with simulation environments (jMAVSim, Gazebo)
Knowledge of computer vision and autonomous navigation systems
Experience with CI/CD pipelines for embedded systems
Background in mission planning and trajectory optimization
Experience with MAVLINK protocol and custom message development
Active Part 107 FAA License
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand for extended periods, as required by the duties and responsibilities.
Adeptness in moving around the office, manufacturing facilities, and other workspaces.
Background Check
This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.
EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure
Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.
E-Verify
The company participates E-Verify (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf) ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf) rules.
Compensation: $130-160K plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.