Contract Embedded Software Engineer

A forward-leaning technology company delivering advanced autonomous vehicles-both aerial and ground-based-for defence applications is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer. The successful candidate will play a critical role in the development, integration, and testing of embedded control systems using PX4 (Pixhawk), Simulink, and MATLAB.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong foundation in model-based design and flight control systems, particularly within the unmanned systems domain.

• Develop, configure, and deploy embedded control algorithms on Pixhawk flight controllers using the PX4 autopilot stack.

• Use Simulink for model-based development of control and navigation systems, generating C/C++ code for deployment to embedded platforms.

• Integrate custom software modules into PX4-based architectures, including UAVCAN, MAVLink, and RTOS-level features.

• Perform simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing to validate system performance prior to flight.

• Tune control loops, sensor fusion algorithms, and state estimation routines to optimise system behaviour.

• Work closely with hardware, mechanical, and systems engineers to align embedded software with system architecture.

• Create clear, version-controlled documentation for software and system configurations.

• Proficient in embedded C/C++ programming.

• Strong experience with the PX4 autopilot framework and Pixhawk hardware platforms.

• Proficiency in MATLAB and Simulink for model-based development and auto code generation.

• Knowledge of real-time embedded systems, control theory, and sensor integration (IMU, GPS, barometer).

• Experience with UAV systems or similar autonomous robotic platforms.

• Familiarity with tools such as QGroundControl, MAVProxy, or Dronecode SDK.

• Experience with ROS or other robotics middleware.

• Familiarity with aerospace or defence regulations (e.g., DO-178, DEF-STAN).

• Background in flight dynamics, state estimation, or navigation algorithms.

• Eligible for UK Security Clearance due to the nature of projects.

• Comfort working in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment on prototype and production-grade platforms.

You'll be contributing to a company developing mission-critical autonomous systems that support global defence capabilities. This is an opportunity to work on state-of-the-art technology, influence system design, and contribute to innovation in both airborne and ground autonomous platforms.