UAS Software Engineer in Bristol

Are you ready to revolutionise the world with TEKEVER?

At TEKEVER, we lead innovation in Europe as the European leader in unmanned technology, where cutting-edge advancements meet unparalleled innovation.

Digital | Defence | Security | Space

We operate across four strategic areas, combining artificial intelligence, systems engineering, data science, and aerospace technology to tackle global challenges — from protecting people and critical infrastructure to exploring space.

We offer a unique surveillance-as-a-service solution that delivers real-time intelligence, enhancing maritime safety and saving lives. Our products and services support strategic and operational decisions in the most demanding environments — whether at sea, on land, in space, or in cyberspace.

Become part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and mission-driven team that is transforming maritime surveillance and redefining global safety standards.

At TEKEVER, our mission is to provide limitless support through mission-oriented game-changers, delivering the right information at the right time to empower critical decision-making.

If you're passionate about technology and eager to shape the future — TEKEVER is the place for you.

The Role:

This role will initially focus on the development and maintenance of software running onboard TEKEVER-designed aircraft. This includes autopilots, the autonomy stack, payloads and other software-enabled subsystems. You will build a strong understanding of our existing product base and its components while helping to shape new platform iterations and clean-sheet designs.

Key Responsibilities

· Design, Develop, integrate and debug software that runs onboard our UAV platforms.

· Contribute to software roadmaps, derive features own the resulting implementation.

· Work internationally maximise the commonality of the code base across all our UAS current and future.

· Work as part of a team to rapidly deliver customer value.

· Balance rapid, innovative development with the formal engineering rigour our sector demands.

· Support field tests at one of our facilities – usually West Wales airport.

Qualifications, Experience & Commitments

· Degree qualified in a technical discipline (Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or similar), or equivalent practical experience.

· Experience in one or more embedded-focused languages such as C++ or Rust, including constrained subsets such as MISRA C++.

· Experience in UAS design, operation and test.

· Experience using AI coding tools such as Claude to accelerate development workflows.

· Security Vetting: Given the nature of our Defence contracts, all applicants must be eligible to hold, and willing to undergo the vetting process for, UK SC-level Security Clearance.

· Travel: Willingness to undertake occasional domestic and international travel to TEKEVER sites (UK, Portugal, US and wider Europe) and, on occasion, to deployed operations worldwide.

Skills & Attributes

· Experience in any of the following areas: IP-based networking; PX4/ArduPilot/MAVLink; autonomy; real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS; robotics frameworks such as ROS 2; Docker

· Strong Linux skills, potentially including using tools such as Yocto to customise for new hardware platforms.

· Algorithmic development skills, potentially including Autonomy, Machine vision, guidance, control or sensor fusion.

· Ability to develop Tests and Test Harnesses, including Model/Software/Hardware in the loop (including simulation) to ensure maximum confidence in the software before committing to flight trials.

· CI/CD development and deployment using tools such as CMake and GitLab CI.

· Full software development lifecycle experience (Requirements, Architecture/Design, Implementation and Test) using tools such as git to manage artefacts.

· Ability to consider cross cutting concerns – specifically safety, security and real time behaviours within the domain of UAS development.

· Experience in Defence or other regulated industries, ideally working to standards such as DO-178C.

What we have to offer you:

• An excellent work environment and an opportunity to make a difference.

• Salary commensurate with level of experience.

• Company pension contribution matched up to 10%.

• 25 days annual holiday + 8 Bank holidays.

• Medical Insurance.

• Dental Insurance.

• Salary sacrifice initiatives (EV Scheme, Cycle 2 Work, Tech Scheme)

• Discretionary annual company bonus.

Do you want to know more about us ?

Visit our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/tekever/