Software Engineer (Ardupilot) in Hereford

We are a profitable, fast-scaling defence-tech startup - operating on the extreme edge of innovation in the evolving domain of unmanned systems / drones. Our world-class team of Engineers are delivering solutions deemed impossible by many, for some of the most complex and challenging problems in the Drones / UAS space. With strong revenue growth, a loyal customer base, and an ambitious scaling plan, we are entering an exciting new phase of growth.

Our drone platforms span fixed-wing and multi-rotor UAS from small tactical quadcopters to larger fielded systems. They are in the hands of users in live operational environments. The autopilot stack that controls them — built on Ardupilot — has to be reliable, tuneable, and continuously improving. We need an experienced Software Engineer who can own the flight control software stack: from parameter tuning and SITL simulation to sensor integration and real-world flight testing.

You will be the person who makes our platforms fly better, safer, and smarter. You will write code, simulate, flash firmware, watch it fly, and iterate the same week. On top of that you’ll configure, tune, and test Ardupilot flight control systems across fixed-wing and multi-rotor platforms — writing custom C++ code, integrating sensors and payloads, analysing flight logs, and supporting new platforms from bench testing through to operational handover.

What you will do:

• Own the autopilot software stack for one or more platforms end to end.
• Write high-quality C++ that runs on embedded flight controllers.
• Tune PID loops and control systems against real flight data and simulation.
• Develop and maintain SITL environments so that new code can be validated before it ever sees air time.
• Define and execute software test plans across bench, SITL, ground, and flight environments.
• Document software requirements, design decisions, and parameter rationale.
• Participate in peer reviews and contribute to internal engineering standards.
• Attend flight testing sessions at our test site.
• Support the integration of emerging technologies as the product roadmap evolves.
• Contribute to the Arduplane mainline project, pushing appropriate fixes back into the mainline.
• Take responsibility for the security of digital forensics.

Essential skills/experience:

• Proven hands-on experience with Ardupilot, PX4, or a comparable open-source autopilot stack.
• Strong working knowledge of MAVLink, mission planning tools, and UAV communication protocols.
• Practical experience with UAV tuning, flight testing, and log analysis using Mission Planner, MAVProxy, or equivalent.
• Excellent working knowledge of C++.
• Familiarity with embedded communication protocols: CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, UDP, TCP.
• Experience taking a design from software requirements definition through to a tested, working implementation.
• Ability to work independently and make sound engineering judgements in a fast-paced R&D environment.

“Nice to have” skills/experience:

• Familiarity with Linux environments and Ardupilot SITL workflows.
• Experience with scripting languages: LUA, Python, or Rust.
• Background in aeronautics, control systems, or aerospace engineering.
• Knowledge of PID control loops, Filters and flight dynamics.
• Familiarity with safety-critical or defence software engineering standards.
• Experience working in an Agile development environment.
• BSc or MSc in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• General enthusiasm for aviation and unmanned systems.

Compensation:

• Competitive base salary.
• Annual bonus.
• Employee stock options scheme.
• Private healthcare (family plan).
• Life insurance + more!