About this role
Position Overview
We are seeking a junior-to-mid-level Software Engineer with hands-on ArduPilot development experience to develop, integrate, and test autonomous vehicle control software for unmanned surface vessels (USVs). The ideal candidate has experience modifying ArduPilot source code, working with MAVLink communication protocols, and developing automated simulation and hardware testing environments. This role focuses on implementing vehicle-control functionality, improving autonomy software reliability, and integrating ArduPilot/ArduRover with onboard hardware and external command-and-control systems. Experience with ATAK/WinTAK and tactical command-and-control software is highly desirable.
Required Qualifications
C++ and Python: Experience developing, debugging, and maintaining software in C++
and Python
ArduPilot Development: Demonstrated hands-on experience modifying, building,
debugging, and testing ArduPilot source code
ArduRover / USV: Experience with ArduRover for boats/USVs or equivalent ArduPilot
vehicle platforms
SITL/HITL: Hands-on experience configuring, running, and troubleshooting ArduPilot
Software-in-the-Loop (SITL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL/HIL) testing
environments
Automated Testing: Experience developing automated simulation tests, regression tests,
and validation workflows for autonomous vehicle software
MAVLink: Understanding of telemetry, vehicle commands, parameters, mission
execution, and communication protocols
Vehicle Control: Understanding of actuators, navigation, operating modes, and
safety/failsafe behavior
Linux: Experience developing and troubleshooting software on Linux-based systems
Version Control: Experience using Git, GitLab, or equivalent source-control platforms
Project Management: Familiarity with Jira or similar issue-tracking systems
AI-Assisted Development: Familiarity with generative AI coding tools such as Cursor,
OpenAI Codex, or similar
Hardware Integration: Experience integrating software with sensors, embedded
hardware, or external control systems
Preferred Qualifications
ATAK/WinTAK plugin development and integration
TAK ecosystem experience, including Cursor on Target (CoT)
Autonomous boat/USV development and on-water testing experience
Marine propulsion, throttle, gear shifting, steering, and actuator control
CAN bus, serial communications, and marine engine integration
GNSS, IMUs, compass/heading sensors, and navigation systems
NVIDIA Jetson and other embedded computing platforms
TCP/IP, UDP, and remote vehicle communication systems
Docker, GitLab CI/CD, and automated deployment workflows
Experience with robotics, autonomous vehicles, or defense systems
Key Responsibilities
Develop, modify, and maintain ArduPilot/ArduRover C++ source code for unmanned
surface vessels
Implement vessel-specific control functionality, including throttle, steering, gear shifting,
and engine control
Develop and maintain ArduPilot SITL/HITL simulation and testing environments
Create automated simulation and regression tests to validate vehicle behavior and
software changes
Develop and test vehicle safety interlocks, operating modes, and failsafe functionality
Integrate MAVLink telemetry, vehicle commands, parameters, and autonomous mission
execution
Support ArduPilot integration with ATAK/WinTAK and third-party
command-and-control systems
Integrate navigation sensors, propulsion interfaces, and other onboard vehicle hardware
Troubleshoot autonomous control issues during development, simulation, hardware
testing, and on-water operations
Collaborate with software, electrical, mechanical, and networking engineers
Participate in code reviews, software testing, and release processes
Maintain source code, technical documentation, and development tasks using GitLab and
Jira
Use AI-assisted coding tools to improve development efficiency while validating
generated code through appropriate testing
Ideal Candidate
Has demonstrated experience working directly with ArduPilot source code rather than
only configuring or operating ArduPilot systems
Enjoys developing and troubleshooting autonomous vehicle software
Comfortable working with simulation environments and physical vehicle hardware
Understands the importance of testing vehicle-control functionality before field
deployment
Capable of independently implementing assigned software features with appropriate
technical guidance and code review
Interested in autonomous maritime systems, robotics, and real-world engineering
challenges
Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with evolving requirements
Additional Requirements
Ability to work hands-on with embedded hardware, sensors, and vehicle-control systems
Willingness to participate in laboratory, dockside, and on-water testing
Willingness to travel occasionally for field testing and integration activities
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Effective communication, teamwork, and technical documentation skills
Physical Requirements and Working Environment
This role combines office and laboratory work with hands-on vessel integration and outdoor testing.
Ability to manually lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to crawl, kneel, crouch, bend, climb, and work in confined or awkward spaces while installing, inspecting, and servicing equipment on and around vessels.
Ability to safely board and move around boats, docks, and uneven or wet surfaces.
Comfortable working outdoors and in marine environments, including dockside activities and on-water testing.
Occasional travel and schedule flexibility may be required to support trials and demonstrations.
Background Check
This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.
EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure
Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.
E-Verify
The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.
Compensation: Base pay, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.