Embedded Software Engineer III - PX4 Firmware & Simulation

Zone 5 Technologies is redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems, seeking exceptional talent to develop cutting-edge autonomous solutions. The Embedded Software Engineer will focus on developing and maintaining custom PX4 autopilot firmware, integrating sensors, and building simulation environments for testing.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, modify, and maintain custom PX4 firmware modules for mission-specific requirements
• Implement custom flight modes, navigation algorithms, and control strategies
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and payloads through PX4 driver and uORB message framework
• Debug firmware issues using GDB, serial consoles, and flight log analysis
• Patch and backport fixes across PX4 versions while maintaining stability
• Maintain build infrastructure using CMake, Make, and embedded toolchains
• Configure cross-compilation environments for ARM Cortex-M target architectures
• Manage firmware dependencies, submodules, and third-party libraries
• Create reproducible build configurations and automate firmware generation pipelines
• Develop and maintain SITL (Software-in-the-Loop) and HITL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) test environments
• Integrate PX4 with physics-based simulation platforms for validation and regression testing
• Create automated test scenarios to validate firmware changes before flight testing
• Configure MAVLink communication interfaces for ground control and companion computer integration
• Integrate PX4 with companion computers running ROS2-based autonomy stacks
• Develop MAVLink and UART communication protocols between flight controller and edge compute modules
• Support flight test operations including pre-flight checks, log collection, and post-flight analysis
• Collaborate with hardware, autonomy, and systems engineers to diagnose and resolve integration issues

Requirements:

• Bachelor's in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field – equivalent industry experience also welcome
• 4-6+ years of experience in embedded software development with focus on real-time systems
• Strong proficiency in C and C++ for embedded systems programming
• Hands-on experience with PX4 autopilot firmware architecture and development
• Deep understanding of build systems including CMake, Make, and embedded toolchains
• Experience with ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers and embedded debugging tools
• Solid grasp of control theory, state estimation, and sensor fusion fundamentals
• Understanding of MAVLink protocol and communication with ground control stations
• Experience developing and maintaining simulation environments for embedded systems testing
• Experience with multi-rotor or fixed-wing UAV flight dynamics and control
• Familiarity with ROS2 and companion computer integration architectures
• Knowledge of Kalman filtering (EKF/UKF) and inertial navigation systems
• Understanding of safety-critical software development practices
• Experience with UART, SPI, I2C, and CAN bus protocols
• Background in flight testing and airworthiness procedures
• Knowledge of RTOS concepts and real-time scheduling
• Experience with version control workflows for firmware development
• Familiarity with Python for scripting, automation, and data analysis
• Understanding of power systems, motor control, and electronic speed controllers
• Experience with continuous integration systems for embedded firmware