Senior Software Engineer (UAV Autonomy)

About the role

Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is seeking an experienced Senior Software Engineer to lead the design, implementation and maintenance of software for Qualcomm‑based mission computers and NXP‑based PX4 flight controllers used in autonomous UAV systems. The role focuses on delivering reliable, safe and high‑performance solutions for complex UxV operations.

Key responsibilities

• Architect, design and implement autonomous applications on Qualcomm platforms, covering perception, sensor fusion, planning and navigation.
• Define technical direction and supervise development of ROS2 nodes and middleware for scalable autonomy stacks across heterogeneous compute platforms.
• Optimize GPU and DSP‑accelerated AI/ML workloads for real‑time inference under SWaP constraints.
• Implement and validate secure boot, trusted firmware, fuse programming and OTA update flows on Qualcomm IQ9 SoCs.
• Develop secure communication bridges and APIs linking autonomy stack, flight controller and ground systems.
• Integrate multi‑sensor data (camera, LiDAR, GNSS, IMU) using ROS2 middleware.
• Conduct threat modeling, vulnerability assessments and apply secure coding practices (ISO 27001, DO‑326A).

Required profile

• Proven senior‑level experience in embedded software for autonomous UAV or robotics systems.
• Deep understanding of Qualcomm IQ9 secure boot, hardware root of trust and fuse programming.
• Hands‑on experience with NXP‑based PX4 flight controllers and ROS2 middleware.
• Strong background in performance optimisation of GPU/DSP‑accelerated AI/ML pipelines.
• Experience with secure platform bring‑up, OTA updates and system‑level testing.

Required skills

• Qualcomm IQ9 secure boot and trusted firmware
• NXP PX4 flight controller
• ROS2 middleware and node development
• GPU and DSP acceleration for AI/ML inference
• Secure communication, OTA update mechanisms
• Sensor integration (camera, LiDAR, GNSS, IMU)
• Threat modeling and vulnerability assessment (ISO 27001, DO‑326A)