Embedded Software Engineer in Bristol, Gloucestershire

UAV Software Engineer

Bristol / West Wales | Hybrid | Permanent

Minimum 3 days per week on site

Want to build software that actually flies?

We’re recruiting a UAV Software Engineer for a rapidly growing organisation developing advanced Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) for demanding defence applications.

You’ll develop software running onboard UAV platforms, working across autopilots, autonomy, payloads and other mission-critical subsystems. You’ll work on existing aircraft while also helping shape next-generation platforms and clean-sheet designs, taking software from concept and simulation through to real-world flight testing.

What you’ll be doing

• Designing, developing, integrating and debugging onboard UAV software
• Developing embedded software using C++ and/or Rust
• Working across autopilot, autonomy, payload and platform systems
• Building robust test and simulation environments, including SIL/HIL
• Helping shape software architecture and future platform development
• Supporting aircraft integration and flight-test activity

You’ll ideally have:

• Strong C++ and/or Rust experience in embedded or real-time environments
• Experience within UAV/UAS, robotics, autonomous systems or aerospace
• Strong Linux and modern software development skills
• A technical degree or equivalent practical experience

Experience with any of the following would be particularly useful:

PX4 | ArduPilot | MAVLink | ROS 2 | FreeRTOS | Docker | Yocto | Autonomy | Machine Vision | Guidance & Control | Sensor Fusion | CMake | GitLab CI | DO-178C

Why consider it?

This is a chance to work on the complete UAV platform, not just an isolated software component. You’ll see your software move from development and simulation onto real aircraft, while helping influence the architecture of future UAS platforms.

The position is based in Bristol, with hybrid working and a minimum of three days per week on site.

Due to the nature of the programmes, you'll need to be eligible and willing to undergo UK Security Clearance vetting (SC Level).

Interested? Apply directly for a confidential conversation about the role, technology and team.