Software Engineer

Software Engineer

Location: Brooklyn Navy Yard, NY

Industry: Autonomous Systems / Aerospace / Defense

We are seeking a Software Engineer to develop and integrate embedded software for autonomous drone systems, ground control stations, and supporting applications. This role will be responsible for designing, building, testing, and deploying software solutions that support advanced UAV capabilities and payload integrations. The ideal candidate has experience in embedded systems, robotics, aerospace, or unmanned aircraft systems and enjoys working in a fast-paced, hands-on engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain embedded software and user-facing applications for autonomous drone platforms.
• Lead software integration efforts for new products, payloads, and hardware interfaces.
• Participate in the full product lifecycle, from concept and development through testing, deployment, and support.
• Develop firmware and embedded software for controllers, sensors, and related hardware systems.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize software performance in real-time environments.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, systems, and product teams to ensure successful hardware/software integration.
• Support customer deployments, software updates, and fielded product enhancements.
• Implement automated testing, continuous integration, and software validation processes.
• Utilize Git, Bitbucket, and JIRA to manage source code and development activities.
• Perform hardware debugging using tools such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a related field.
• 4–8 years of experience developing embedded software for robotics, aerospace, defense, autonomous systems, or related industries.
• Strong programming experience with C++ and Python.
• Experience with embedded systems, firmware development, and microcontrollers.
• Knowledge of networking protocols and real-time data processing.
• Experience with hardware/software integration and system-level testing.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be eligible to work on projects requiring U.S. nationality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related engineering discipline.
• Experience with ROS (Robot Operating System).
• Familiarity with STM32 microcontrollers and ArduPilot.
• Experience supporting military, aerospace, or defense programs.
• Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, static analysis, and automated testing frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with drones, autonomous systems, or advanced robotics platforms.

Work Environment

This is an onsite position located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. You'll join a highly collaborative engineering team developing next-generation autonomous drone and ground control technologies for aerospace, defense, and security applications.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Brooklyn, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $145000.00 - $175000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Brooklyn,NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.