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Software Lead

San Luis Obispo, California, United States

Join us at Zone 5 Technologies where innovation and cutting-edge technology drive pioneering advancements in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Based in the vibrant city of San Luis Obispo CA, we're seeking talented individuals to join and contribute to our growing team.

We thrive on pushing boundaries and inventing solutions to real-world challenges. Join a community of forward-thinkers who collaborate to create impactful products with a global reach. Our team, consisting of engineers and professionals, is prepared to overcome new frontiers and deliver innovative solutions in the field of unmanned aircraft systems.

We're looking for a Software Lead to oversee the development, integration, and maintenance of software systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This role involves leading a team of software engineers, collaborating with cross-functional teams (hardware, systems, and flight operations), and ensuring that all software complies with safety, performance, and regulatory requirements. The candidate will be responsible for the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering through design, implementation, and validation. 

Responsibilities:

  • Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of software engineers focused on UAV flight control, communication, mission planning, and data processing software.
  • Software Architecture & Design: Design and implement software architecture for UAV systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance.
  • Development & Integration: Lead the development of flight control, mission management, and payload management software, integrating with hardware, sensor, and communication systems.
  • Testing & Validation: Develop and oversee unit tests, simulation tests, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and field flight testing to ensure software performance and safety.
  • Compliance & Standards: Ensure the software meets regulatory standards such as DO-178C (for airborne systems) and other UAV-related certifications.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and flight operations teams to ensure seamless integration of software with UAV platforms.
  • Innovation: Stay updated with emerging technologies in UAV software and contribute to the innovation and evolution of the company’s UAV products.
  • Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive software documentation, including design documents, testing plans, and user manuals.

Qualifications: 

  • BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (MS preferred).
  • Minimum of 5 years in software development, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
  • Prior experience with UAV or aerospace software systems is strongly preferred.
  • Expertise in a wide variety of programming languages such as C, C++, C#, Python, Matlab, Simulink.
  • Knowledge of flight control systems, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and communication protocols (e.g. Stanag4586, Arinc825, MAVLink).
  • Comprehensive background in networking systems and protocols (UDP, TCP, DNS, DHCP).
  • Experience with software development tools such as Git, GitHub, and issue tracking systems (e.g., JIRA).
  • Familiarity with safety-critical systems and relevant standards (DO-178C, ARP4754, etc.).
  • Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills. Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with machine learning, computer vision, or autonomous systems.
  • Experience with simulation environments like Gazebo, ROS, or PX4.
  • Knowledge of satellite or long-range communication systems for UAVs.

Pay range for this role

$160,000 - $210,000 USD

What's in it for you:

Benefits: 

  • Competitive total compensation package 
  • Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
  • 401k with company-match 
  • 4 weeks of paid time off each year
  • 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

  • Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
  • Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
  • Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
  • Flexible Work Arrangement: Benefit from a hybrid work environment with the flexibility for remote work.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team! 

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