At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of cutting-edge Ground Control Station software for autonomous platforms.
- Company: Innovative aerospace company pushing the boundaries of technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a focus on innovation and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the exciting field of autonomous technology.
- Qualifications: 4-7 years of C++ experience and strong skills in Qt/QML.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.
We build autonomous platforms that operate beyond visual line of sight. Our systems are flying now and we need the software engineer who'll own the ground side of that equation.
We're hiring a Ground Software Engineer to lead the development of our Ground Control Station (GCS) software. This is a hands-on, ownership-heavy role sitting at the intersection of real-time UI, telemetry, and control systems working directly alongside flight software, avionics, and hardware engineers.
You'll own the GCS application end-to-end from architecture and backend logic through to the operator-facing interface. You'll be building software that real operators use in real missions, so quality, reliability, and usability all matter.
What You'll Be Doing
- Owning the design, development, and maintenance of our Qt/QML-based GCS application
- Building high-performance, real-time operator interfaces for command, control, and telemetry display
- Integrating telemetry streams, mission planning tools, and payload data into a single coherent operator environment
- Implementing and maintaining communication links between ground systems and uncrewed platforms (MAVLink or proprietary protocols over UDP/TCP/serial)
- Working with geospatial and mapping data to support mission planning and situational awareness
- Interfacing with hardware — USB devices, RF links, sensors — at the application layer
- Collaborating with flight software and avionics engineers to define and maintain interface standards
- Contributing to software architecture, code reviews, and CI/CD pipeline improvement
What We're Looking For
- 4–7 years of C++ development experience — strong, modern C++ (C++14/17)
- Solid Qt and QML experience — both Qt Widgets and Qt Quick considered
- Background in GCS, HMI, or operator interface development for UAV, UAS, robotics, or autonomous platforms
- Experience integrating real-time data streams (telemetry, sensor feeds, video) into UI applications
- Familiarity with communication protocols — MAVLink, UDP/TCP, serial, DDS or similar
- Comfortable with Linux development environments
- Git and CI/CD proficiency expected
Nice to Have
- Experience with QGroundControl, Mission Planner, or similar existing GCS platforms
- Exposure to PX4, ArduPilot, or other autopilot stacks
- GIS or mapping library experience (Cesium, OpenSceneGraph, Marble or similar)
- BVLOS operations context
- Python scripting for tooling or automation
- Awareness of safety-conscious software practices in aerospace or defence
Ground Software Engineer in Newbury employer: SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™
Join a pioneering team in Berkshire where innovation meets autonomy. As a Ground Software Engineer, you'll thrive in a collaborative environment that values ownership and creativity, with opportunities for professional growth in cutting-edge technology. Enjoy a culture that prioritises quality and reliability while working on impactful projects that shape the future of autonomous platforms.
Contact Details:
SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™ Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ground Software Engineer in Newbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local 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 C++ and Qt/QML. Having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common technical questions related to GCS and real-time systems. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your past experiences in detail. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate Ground Software Engineers. Your dream job could be just a click away, so make sure to check out our listings regularly.
We think you need these skills to ace Ground Software Engineer in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your C++ and Qt/QML experience. We want to see how your skills align with the Ground Control Station software development. Don’t just send a generic CV; personalise it for us!
Showcase Your Projects:Include any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving real-time data streams or operator interfaces. We love seeing practical examples of your work, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re passionate about autonomous platforms and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Keep it engaging and to the point.
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’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™
✨Know Your C++ Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your C++ skills, especially modern features from C++14/17. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've applied these concepts in real-world scenarios, particularly in relation to GCS or operator interfaces.
✨Show Off Your Qt/QML Experience
Prepare to talk about your experience with Qt and QML. Bring examples of applications you've developed, focusing on the user interface and how you integrated real-time data streams. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and understanding of high-performance applications.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the context of autonomous platforms and how ground control stations operate. Being able to discuss the integration of telemetry, mission planning tools, and communication protocols like MAVLink will show that you grasp the complexities of the role.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Since this role involves working closely with flight software and avionics engineers, be prepared to discuss your collaboration experiences. Highlight any instances where you contributed to code reviews or improved CI/CD pipelines, as teamwork is key in this position.
