UAV Software and Controls Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 23, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 20, 2026. SE3 Labs scores B on the Alion truth index.
Join SE3 Labs as UAV Software and Controls Engineer
Lead the autonomy stack of our systems. Starting from custom firmware all the way to GCS plugins.
About SE3
SE3 Labs is building Spatial AI by combining 3D computer vision with large language models (LLMs). We believe the ability to reason about and act within physical space is foundational to unlocking the next generation of automation, from construction to smart infrastructure, and ultimately, defence.
Now, we’re building the physical platform to bring Spatial AI to life. That means high-performance, real-world robotic systems (starting with UAVs), and we’re looking for a skilled, hands-on engineer who’s ready to bring these machines into the real world.
About the Role
As Drone Software and Controls Engineer, you will be working on the full-stack avionics development of our UAV fleet. From selecting the components to tuning and configuring the UAV, all the way to GCS development and autonomy orchestration. You will be the brain behind the fleet.
You will be in the middle of the software and hardware team, mastering the integration of the two fields and bringing the final product to life.
What You’ll Work On
Architecture & Plan: Define and develop schematics for communication and integration of the software stack across all our systems. How does UAV A get a position from UGV B? How does Payload 1 inform UAV C that it needs to land?
Prototype & Iterate: Build, rework, and test hardware with speed and precision, both in simulation and in flight. Develop better simulations and tools for faster iteration.
Optimize & Troubleshoot: Analyse the full flow of information via simulation and real-world testing, including UAV to UAV, UAV to GCS or UAV to payload.
Document with Purpose: Keep clear records of requirements, tradeoffs, test results, tuning procedures, and implementation rationale
Validate in the Loop: Support hardware-in-the-loop and environmental validation workflows to ensure rugged, reliable implementations.
Your Profile
You hold a B.Sc. or higher in Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline
You bring 3+ years of hands-on experience in avionics development, from component selection and firmware design to full system integration
You’re confident with lab equipment (multimeters, scopes, spectrum analyzers, near-field probes) and use them to diagnose and debug with purpose
You have a deep understanding of Autonomy principles and know how to develop and deal with low level issues in a UAV fleet.
You’ve worked with PX4 and ArduPilot and know where to go in the code to get what you need.
You’re experienced with QGC and know how to customise it to your will.
You’re familiar with hardware-in-the-loop and environmental testing, and understand how designs fail in the wild
You speak fluent English; German is a strong plus
Most importantly, you’re structured, fast-moving, and mission-driven. You don’t wait for perfection. You iterate until it works. You love building things that last and love making them fly majestically..
Especially Valued Bonus Skills
Architecture and software development skills.
ArduPilot, PX4, or QGC open source contributor.
Flying License A1-A3
Experience with multi-vehicle coordination.
Perks & Benefits
Real Ownership: Get equity early, real stock options to participate directly in SE3’s growth
Work Environment to Excel at: Find a high-quality and modern toolset, flat hierarchy and a skilled, driven team which will push the limits together with you
31 Paid Days Off: 30 vacation days plus your birthday off
Well-being Access: Free membership to gyms, yoga, and wellness through EGYM Wellpass
Team Offsites: We go on 2 company retreats per year, our last ones were in Italy and Greece
Mentorship: Work closely with experienced engineers and get paired with a professional mentor to support your growth
Our Process
Intro Call (30 min): Let’s get to know each other
Technical Interview (45 min): (We will deep diver into your experience and the role)
Coding Interview(1 hr): (with our external coding partners)
One site trial/case (1.5h): let’s build and test a system together with our hardware team
Team Dinner / Lunch: Meet the team and see whether it is a strong fit on both sides.