{"id":3345811,"url":"https://alion.io/job/blue-ops-software-engineer-iii-ardupilot-autonomous-systems","title":"Software Engineer I/II - ArduPilot & Autonomous Systems","company":{"id":2335094,"name":"Blue Ops","domain":"blueops.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/blueops","size_band":"11-50","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Paycom","truth_index":null},"role":"Robotics","role_family":"Robotics","seniority":"middle","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":[],"countries":[],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[{"name":"ArduPilot","optional":false},{"name":"MAVLink","optional":false},{"name":"C++","optional":true},{"name":"CI/CD","optional":true},{"name":"Cursor","optional":true},{"name":"Docker","optional":true},{"name":"Git","optional":true},{"name":"GitLab","optional":true},{"name":"GitLab CI","optional":true},{"name":"Human-in-the-Loop","optional":true},{"name":"Jira","optional":true},{"name":"Linux","optional":true},{"name":"OpenAI Codex","optional":true},{"name":"Python","optional":true},{"name":"TCP/IP","optional":true}],"status":"closed","first_seen_at":"2026-10-27T17:10:32Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-27","last_verified_at":"2026-10-30T03:55:16Z","board_verified":false,"closed_at":"2026-10-30T03:55:16Z","days_open":2,"trust":{"level":"not_scored","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":2},"description":"Position Overview\nWe are seeking a junior-to-mid-level Software Engineer with hands-on ArduPilot development experience to develop, integrate, and test autonomous vehicle control software for unmanned surface vessels (USVs). The ideal candidate has experience modifying ArduPilot source code, working with MAVLink communication protocols, and developing automated simulation and hardware testing environments. This role focuses on implementing vehicle-control functionality, improving autonomy software reliability, and integrating ArduPilot/ArduRover with onboard hardware and external command-and-control systems. Experience with ATAK/WinTAK and tactical command-and-control software is highly desirable.\nRequired Qualifications\nC++ and Python: Experience developing, debugging, and maintaining software in C++\nand Python\nArduPilot Development: Demonstrated hands-on experience modifying, building,\ndebugging, and testing ArduPilot source code\nArduRover / USV: Experience with ArduRover for boats/USVs or equivalent ArduPilot\nvehicle platforms\nSITL/HITL: Hands-on experience configuring, running, and troubleshooting ArduPilot\nSoftware-in-the-Loop (SITL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL/HIL) testing\nenvironments\nAutomated Testing: Experience developing automated simulation tests, regression tests,\nand validation workflows for autonomous vehicle software\nMAVLink: Understanding of telemetry, vehicle commands, parameters, mission\nexecution, and communication protocols\nVehicle Control: Understanding of actuators, navigation, operating modes, and\nsafety/failsafe behavior\nLinux: Experience developing and troubleshooting software on Linux-based systems\nVersion Control: Experience using Git, GitLab, or equivalent source-control platforms\nProject Management: Familiarity with Jira or similar issue-tracking systems\nAI-Assisted Development: Familiarity with generative AI coding tools such as Cursor,\nOpenAI Codex, or similar\nHardware Integration: Experience integrating software with sensors, embedded\nhardware, or external control systems\nPreferred Qualifications\nATAK/WinTAK plugin development and integration\nTAK ecosystem experience, including Cursor on Target (CoT)\nAutonomous boat/USV development and on-water testing experience\nMarine propulsion, throttle, gear shifting, steering, and actuator control\nCAN bus, serial communications, and marine engine integration\nGNSS, IMUs, compass/heading sensors, and navigation systems\nNVIDIA Jetson and other embedded computing platforms\nTCP/IP, UDP, and remote vehicle communication systems\nDocker, GitLab CI/CD, and automated deployment workflows\nExperience with robotics, autonomous vehicles, or defense systems\nKey Responsibilities\nDevelop, modify, and maintain ArduPilot/ArduRover C++ source code for unmanned\nsurface vessels\nImplement vessel-specific control functionality, including throttle, steering, gear shifting,\nand engine control\nDevelop and maintain ArduPilot SITL/HITL simulation and testing environments\nCreate automated simulation and regression tests to validate vehicle behavior and\nsoftware changes\nDevelop and test vehicle safety interlocks, operating modes, and failsafe functionality\nIntegrate MAVLink telemetry, vehicle commands, parameters, and autonomous mission\nexecution\nSupport ArduPilot integration with ATAK/WinTAK and third-party\ncommand-and-control systems\nIntegrate navigation sensors, propulsion interfaces, and other onboard vehicle hardware\nTroubleshoot autonomous control issues during development, simulation, hardware\ntesting, and on-water operations\nCollaborate with software, electrical, mechanical, and networking engineers\nParticipate in code reviews, software testing, and release processes\nMaintain source code, technical documentation, and development tasks using GitLab and\nJira\nUse AI-assisted coding tools to improve development efficiency while validating\ngenerated code through appropriate testing\nIdeal Candidate\nHas demonstrated experience working directly with ArduPilot source code rather than\nonly configuring or operating ArduPilot systems\nEnjoys developing and troubleshooting autonomous vehicle software\nComfortable working with simulation environments and physical vehicle hardware\nUnderstands the importance of testing vehicle-control functionality before field\ndeployment\nCapable of independently implementing assigned software features with appropriate\ntechnical guidance and code review\nInterested in autonomous maritime systems, robotics, and real-world engineering\nchallenges\nComfortable working in a fast-paced environment with evolving requirements\nAdditional Requirements\nAbility to work hands-on with embedded hardware, sensors, and vehicle-control systems\nWillingness to participate in laboratory, dockside, and on-water testing\nWillingness to travel occasionally for field testing and integration activities\nStrong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills\nEffective communication, teamwork, and technical documentation skills\nPhysical Requirements and Working Environment\nThis role combines office and laboratory work with hands-on vessel integration and outdoor testing.\nAbility to manually lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.\nAbility to crawl, kneel, crouch, bend, climb, and work in confined or awkward spaces while installing, inspecting, and servicing equipment on and around vessels.\nAbility to safely board and move around boats, docks, and uneven or wet surfaces.\nComfortable working outdoors and in marine environments, including dockside activities and on-water testing.\nOccasional travel and schedule flexibility may be required to support trials and demonstrations.\nBackground Check\nThis 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.\nEEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure\nRed 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.\nE-Verify\nThe company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.\nCompensation: Base pay, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.","description_format":"text","description_chars":6959,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":null,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":null,"security_clearance":true,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Equity"],"hiring_locations":[{"name":"United States","iso":"US","kind":"country"}],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Military","Robotics","Naval Systems","Underwater & Marine Robotics"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-10-27T17:10:32Z"},{"event":"close","at":"2026-10-30T03:55:16Z"}],"visa":[],"liveness":null,"pay":null,"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/blue-ops-software-engineer-iii-ardupilot-autonomous-systems","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/blue-ops-software-engineer-iii-ardupilot-autonomous-systems.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-11-03T08:03:47Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":11503,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-11-04T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":2335094},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=2335094"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Fblue-ops-software-engineer-iii-ardupilot-autonomous-systems"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":1,"usd":0.1},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Fblue-ops-software-engineer-iii-ardupilot-autonomous-systems"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.02,"usd":0.002},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Fblue-ops-software-engineer-iii-ardupilot-autonomous-systems"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/blue-ops-software-engineer-iii-ardupilot-autonomous-systems\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Fblue-ops-software-engineer-iii-ardupilot-autonomous-systems"}],"agent":{"mcp":"https://alion.io/mcp/jobs","mcp_open":"https://alion.io/mcp/open","next":[{"tool":"get_job","arguments":{"id":3345811}},{"tool":"search_jobs","arguments":{"company":"blueops.com","detail":"compact"}},{"tool":"match_people","arguments":{"job_id":3345811},"note":"people open to offers who fit this vacancy"}],"note":"The same data through MCP tools: https://alion.io/mcp/open needs no sign-in (compact searches, postings, people); https://alion.io/mcp with an Alion account has everything. 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