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Senior R&D Software Engineer

PDW
140000 - 160000 - YEAR
life insurance, parental leave, paid time off, 401(k)
United States, Colorado, Denver
Feb 12, 2026

Company Overview

Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.

Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Senior R&D Software Engineer to contribute to the next wave of system and tool development for our upcoming product lines. The ideal candidate will thrive working in an innovative and fast-paced work environment, have excellent critical thinking skills, and will play a critical role in building the systems that integrate with our deployment environments, crafting specialized tools for engineering research, and supporting new technologies that aid towards the advancement of sUAS functional systems.


What You'll Do


  • Play a key role in bringing complex, autonomous software products to market.
  • Design and deliver high-quality user experiences using the Qt stack (C++ and QML).
  • Continuously improve UI/UX to create intuitive, modern, and reliable end-to-end workflows.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues across the software platform.
  • Write clean, well-documented, and maintainable code; collaborate effectively through GitHub/Gitlab.
  • Gather and triage feedback from partners and internal teams, translating insights into actionable product improvements.
  • Manage daily development work using Git, promoting clear commit history with small, well-documented changes.
  • Participate in sprint planning, technical discussions, and prioritization to support product goals.

Requirements


  • 3+ years of professional experience as a software engineer.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Strong motivation to deliver real-world products with measurable impact.
  • Proficiency in C/C++ and Python across Windows, Android, and Linux environments.
  • Hands-on experience with the Qt/QML framework.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, paired with curiosity and creativity.
  • Working knowledge of networking protocols; familiarity with MAVLink is a plus.
  • Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills for collaboration across distributed teams.
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required

Preferred


  • Experience working with QGroundControl (QGC) and the PX4 ecosystem.


Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 50 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard machine shop equipment as well as standard office equipment.Must be physically capable of tolerating loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE).


Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE) and may require occasional travel to test sites/customer locations/supplier facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.


Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:


  • Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
  • Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
  • Paid Parental Leave.
  • On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL location.
  • Employer provided life insurance.
  • Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
  • Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.


EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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