Senior Software Engineer (Autonomy)

Senior Software Engineer (Autonomy)

Location: Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA.

Compensation: $120,000 - $160,000 + Bonus Eligible

Security Clearance: Active Secret Clearance

Company Overview

Thompson Software Solutions (TSS) is a mission-driven aerospace and defense software and systems engineering company founded in 2004. With locations in Atlanta, GA; Fort Worth, TX; Denver, CO; and Huntsville, AL, TSS supports the U.S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development, integration, testing, and deployment of safety- and mission-critical software systems for next-generation aircraft, defense platforms, and space technologies.

Job Description

We are seeking a senior-level Embedded Software Engineer to work with a talented team to develop innovative solutions for tomorrow’s challenges. This role requires the application of technical principles to design, develop, integrate, and test software products for embedded systems. The successful candidate will be a member of a high-performing, multi-site team, working autonomously and collaboratively with other software engineers, program development, and deployment teams.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must maintain eligibility for access to classified information throughout employment.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of strong software development experience using C, C++, Java, Python, and Bash for embedded systems, automation, testing, and application development.
• Hands‑on experience with sUAS (small unmanned aircraft systems) and RC aircraft operations, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Experience developing and configuring autonomous flight systems using ArduPilot and/or PX4 flight controllers.
• Proficient with Git for source control, branching strategies, code reviews, and collaborative software development.
• Familiarity with the MAVLink communication protocol, including telemetry, command‑and‑control messaging, mission planning, and integration with ground control stations.
• Understanding of robotics, autonomous systems, flight software, sensor integration, and embedded system design.
• Proficient with Linux and Windows development environments.
• Ability to professionally communicate project status and collaborate on technical solutions with clients and peers.
• Active Secret DoD security clearance.
• 25% travel.

Preferred / Additional Skills

• Proficiency with Atlassian tools (Confluence, JIRA, Bitbucket, etc.).
• Experience with DevOps and containerization, including Docker-based development, deployment, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Developing software for microcontrollers and embedded hardware platforms.
• Working with autonomous systems software and hardware, including perception (sensors, computer vision, sensor fusion).
• Motion and mission planning.
• Control systems.
• Test and verification engineering, creating automated tests, validation frameworks, and verification software.
• Software quality and CI/CD, designing and maintaining robust quality processes, automated builds, testing, and deployment pipelines.
• Electrical engineering fundamentals, ability to read and understand electrical schematics, and collaborate with hardware teams.
• Experience documenting complex technical designs.
• Ability to work in a collaborative and team-oriented environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Benefits

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
• 401K with generous employer match.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Remote work opportunities based on role.
• Employee assistance program (EAP).
• Career growth and professional development opportunities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.