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- Tasks: Develop innovative software for drone swarm technology and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Join HVN Labs, a leader in advanced drone systems and creative performances.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for mentorship and growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with access to live flight testing and advanced tools.
- Why this job: Make an impact on live aerial shows and cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: BSc in Computer Science or related field; Python proficiency required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
2 years minimum of experience in a software engineer role. This role is based onsite at our Bristol office (UWE Future Space) and requires regular in-person attendance.
About HVN Labs
HVN Labs Ltd develops advanced drone swarm systems for live light shows and other applications. Our mission is to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective drone platforms that enable creative performances at scale, while also building capabilities that extend into adjacent industries such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and live event technology. We combine expertise in aerospace engineering, software development, and control systems to push the boundaries of what autonomous drones can achieve.
Role Overview
We are seeking a versatile Software Engineer to join our growing development team and contribute to the evolution of our Drone Swarm Platform. This role focuses on building Swarm Control & Coordination Software and the Operations & Control Software that underpins real-time planning, monitoring, and safe execution of large-scale drone operations. You’ll work across multiple layers of the platform—from distributed swarm coordination logic and telemetry pipelines to intuitive real-time pilot interfaces and post-flight analysis tools. The role would suit an engineer who enjoys solving complex systems challenges, thrives in collaborative environments, and wants to build technology that has both creative and mission-critical impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Swarm Control & Coordination Software: Design and maintain core systems that enable large-scale, synchronised drone flight—including mission planning, fleet coordination, safety features, and the real-time pilot interface.
- Data & Telemetry: Develop systems for robust logging, telemetry monitoring, and replay, supporting compliance and performance optimisation.
- Systems Integration: Connect and integrate external SDKs, APIs, and protocols (e.g. MAVLink, GNSS services, visualisation or lighting frameworks) into cohesive solutions.
- Reliability & Safety: Implement scalable and fault-tolerant designs, with automated testing and redundancy in mind for safety-critical use cases.
- Deployment & Tooling: Contribute to DevOps practices, including containerisation, SITL (Software in the Loop) test environments, and automated CI/CD pipelines.
- Collaboration: Work closely with hardware engineers, flight operators, and creative teams to deliver end-to-end solutions that bridge drones and human operators.
- Agile Practices: Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, code reviews, and retrospectives, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.
- Innovation & R&D: Explore emerging technologies (AI-assisted flight optimisation, distributed networking, advanced operator interfaces) and contribute to R&D prototypes.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- BSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
- Proficiency in Python, particularly for scripting, data processing, or system integration.
- Familiarity with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing workflows.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with a proactive and structured approach.
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills, comfortable working across hardware, software, and creative disciplines.
- Highly organised, dependable, and detail-oriented in both code and documentation.
Desirable (but not required) Skills
- Familiarity with drone software stacks (e.g. ArduPilot, PX4).
- Experience with telemetry protocols like MAVLink.
- Awareness of cybersecurity practices in distributed systems.
- Exposure to machine learning in robotics, optimisation, or anomaly detection.
- Experience in safety-critical or high-reliability systems engineering.
- Knowledge of containerisation and cloud deployment (Docker, Kubernetes, AWS/GCP).
What We Offer
- The opportunity to work on cutting-edge drone swarm technology with global applications.
- A role where your contributions directly influence live aerial performances and future product lines.
- Hands-on collaboration with experts across aerospace, robotics, AI, and creative industries.
- Access to live flight testing, simulators, and advanced development tools.
- A supportive culture of learning, experimentation, and professional growth, with opportunities for mentorship and career progression.
Software Engineer (UK, Bristol) employer: HVN Labs
Contact Detail:
HVN Labs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer (UK, Bristol)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry, especially at local meetups or tech events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those related to drone technology or software engineering. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and coding challenges. We recommend using platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at HVN Labs.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer (UK, Bristol)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Python, Git, and any relevant projects that showcase your problem-solving skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at HVN Labs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about drone technology and how your skills can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but engaging—show us your personality!
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any cool projects, especially those involving drones or software integration, make sure to mention them. We love seeing practical applications of your skills, so don’t hold back on the details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at HVN Labs!
How to prepare for a job interview at HVN Labs
✨Know Your Tech
Make sure you brush up on your Python skills, especially for scripting and data processing. Familiarise yourself with the drone software stacks mentioned in the job description, like ArduPilot or PX4, as well as telemetry protocols like MAVLink. This will show that you're not just a good coder but also understand the specific technologies they'll be using.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you tackled them. Think of examples where you had to integrate systems or develop robust solutions under pressure. This is key for a role that involves complex systems challenges, so have those stories ready!
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role requires collaboration across various disciplines, be ready to talk about your experiences working in teams. Highlight any agile practices you've been involved in, like sprint planning or code reviews, and how you contributed to a culture of continuous improvement.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about their current projects, the team dynamics, or how they approach innovation and R&D. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.