Staff Software Engineer

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. As we expand into Denver, we are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.

You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.

What You'll Do

• Provide technical leadership across multiple product areas, driving architectural decisions and cross-team alignment.
• Define and uphold engineering standards, ensuring consistency and quality across the codebase.
• Collaborate with product and engineering leadership to shape the technical roadmap.
• Mentor engineers at all levels, investing in their growth and the overall capability of the team.
• Identify and resolve systemic technical challenges that span teams or platforms.
• Lead technical reviews and design sessions, ensuring architectural coherence and long-term maintainability.
• Represent engineering perspectives in cross-functional planning and strategic discussions.
• Support field operations and serve as a technical escalation point for complex issues.

Requirements

• Expert-level software development skills in C++, with deep understanding of systems design, performance optimization, and modern programming standards.
• Proven experience architecting and delivering large-scale, cross-platform software systems.
• Substantial experience with embedded Linux, Android, and similar platforms.
• Strong experience building complex UI systems with Qt/QML and integrating with backend services using REST and JSON.
• Deep understanding of software development processes including coding standards, agile methodologies, and CI/CT/CD.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to influence and align stakeholders across disciplines.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field, with 7–10 years of professional software development experience, including experience in a technical leadership capacity.

Preferred

• Background or hands-on experience with UAVs, aircraft, robotics, or autonomous systems.
• Extensive, production-grade experience with the Qt framework including QtWidgets, QML, and the Qt meta-object system.
• Track record of delivering cross-platform applications (Windows, Linux, Android) using Qt in high-reliability environments.
• Deep expertise in build systems and toolchains including CMake, QMake, and multi-target compiler configuration.
• Experience establishing Git workflows, branching strategies, and collaborative development standards across teams.

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 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as various electronic power supplies and test equipment. Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office and requires use of standard office and may require occasional travel to customer locations or 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-functional collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities.

ITAR Requirement

In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

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 Huntsville, AL & Denver, CO locations.
• 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.