Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Location: On-site in Salt Lake City, Utah. Relocation assistance available.

This position requires the ability to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Build the embedded software that helps robotic systems operate reliably in complex, real-world environments. Palladyne AI (NASDAQ: PDYN) is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer with strong modern C experience to develop Linux-based software for our highly innovative Pilot and SwarmOS products. In this role, you will solve system-level performance challenges and drive software and hardware integration across robotic systems.

This is a hands-on role with significant ownership and opportunity to grow. You’ll have ownership in solving complex technical problems, contributing across the software lifecycle from development through deployment, and being at the forefront of integration efforts across software, hardware, and robotic platforms. Your work will involve multithreaded systems, interprocess communication, real-time constraints, and software that must perform reliably on physical systems deployed to customer sites.

Palladyne AI is a U.S.-based defense and industrial technology company that delivers embodied AI-powered collaborative autonomy solutions, advanced avionics, precision-manufactured components, UAVs, and advanced aerospace design services.

What You’ll Do

• Own and independently develop embedded software for Linux-based robotic systems using modern C . 
• Develop software supporting Palladyne AI’s Pilot and SwarmOS products. 
• Drive integration efforts across software and hardware, working through complex technical issues to resolution. 
• Work closely with hardware and other engineering teams to integrate, debug, and validate software on physical robotic systems. 
• Build software that meets performance, security, reliability, and real-time requirements. 
• Develop software that communicates through interprocess communication, internet protocols, and embedded systems protocols. 
• Work with modern C and system-level functionality, including smart pointers, threads, containers, UNIX system calls, processes, file systems, and database connections. 
• Design and document object-oriented software, develop test plans, and build multithreaded and interprocess software that operates within defined time constraints. 
• Diagnose and optimize system-level performance to support reliable operation on embedded robotic platforms. 
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines throughout development, integration, and deployment to customer sites. 

What Makes Someone Successful Here

• Works independently and takes ownership of complex technical problems. 
• Drives issues from investigation through integration and resolution. Works effectively across software, hardware, and robotic systems. 
• Communicates clearly and collaborates well across engineering disciplines. 
• Writes maintainable code with performance, reliability, security, and timing in mind. 

• 5 years of relevant experience. 
• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited university in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering. 
• Strong proficiency in modern C , including multithreading, smart pointers, containers, UNIX system calls, processes, file systems, and database connectivity. 
• Experience with system-level programming and optimizing performance of systems. 
• Experience managing software projects with Git. 
• Experience with multithreaded programming, interprocess communication, and UNIX-style processes. 
• Must be able to work on-site in Salt Lake City, Utah.
• Requires the ability to stand or sit for extended time periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with UAVs. 
• Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, and MAVLink. 
• Experience with Gazebo and Unreal Engine. 
• Experience building secure software systems. 

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• 401(k) with 5% company match. 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flex time off and 12 holidays. 
• Professional development opportunities. 

Work Authorization & Clearance

This position requires the ability to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship. Depending on the nature of the work, the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance may be required. Candidates may be asked to provide additional information relevant to clearance eligibility in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The Fine Print

No third-party candidates will be accepted. Palladyne AI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.