Senior Software Engineer - Drone Systems
Build your career on Magnet.me
Create a profile and receive smart job recommendations based on your liked jobs.
About this job
We are currently looking for a Senior Software Engineer - Drone Systems to join the team in the Amsterdam Area.
You will join a small, high-impact engineering team working on advanced unmanned systems used in real-world, mission-critical environments. The team owns the full software stack of an autonomous system, ranging from low-level flight control to mission planning and operator interfaces.
This role focuses primarily on the higher levels of the system, including onboard computing, mission logic, payload integration, and ground control applications. Unlike many embedded or robotics roles, your work will be directly deployed in live operational settings, where performance and reliability are essential rather than optional.
You will collaborate closely with hardware engineers and operational teams, contributing to systems that are actively tested and used in the field. The environment offers strong ownership, rapid feedback loops, and visible impact, while requiring a disciplined approach to quality, safety, and system reliability.
Main responsibilities
- Develop and maintain software for embedded flight control systems
- Build and enhance onboard software for mission execution, payload control, and system coordination
- Contribute to operator-facing applications, such as ground control or mission planning tools
- Work across the full system stack, from low-level components to user-facing interfaces
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate, test, and deploy software on physical systems
- Participate in design discussions, code reviews, and architectural decision-making as a senior contributor
Requirements
Core requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant technical field
- ~10 years of experience in software development, including significant experience with C++
- Strong experience working in Linux-based environments and with real-time or embedded systems
- Solid understanding of software architecture in complex, multi-component systems
- Ability to navigate and contribute to large, existing codebases
- Clear affinity with domains such as robotics, autonomous systems, or aerospace
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team
Preferred experience (not mandatory)
- Experience with PX4, ArduPilot or similar autopilot frameworks
- Knowledge of MAVLink and related communication protocols
- Understanding of control theory (PID controllers, state estimation, sensor fusion)
- Proficiency in Python for tooling, testing or scripting
- Experience with ROS or ROS2
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines
Sensing problems. Developing solutions.
Our Sensing and Control Systems provide new insights and access to what is happening in harsh environments. Scientific Data Processing ensures that you get the most out of the world's most under-utilized precious resource: data. We can then turn that data into smart decisions with our Intelligent Software Applications. Or if you need on-site support, we have…
Sensing problems. Developing solutions.
Our Sensing and Control Systems provide new insights and access to what is happening in harsh environments. Scientific Data Processing ensures that you get the most out of the world's most under-utilized precious resource: data. We can then turn that data into smart decisions with our Intelligent Software Applications. Or if you need on-site support, we have the brightest minds and greatest people in Technical Consulting for R&D.
Taking the R&D Journey Together
Research and development projects are usually long-term investments in complex systems involving stringent requirements, formalized relationship structures and interfaces, and highly impactful project phases and team scaling. It is important to have an experienced partner that is in it for the long haul. At S[&]T, we are relationship driven, and think not only about the first steps toward partnership, but the long-term win-win-win. We have flexible methods of partnering, and are able to support R&D via projects, personnel and products, depending on which method provides the best solution. Our open communication style and people-driven methods create smooth interfaces and ensure that we are a dependable partner through thick and thin.
Meant to be at S[&]T
At S[&]T, relationships always come first, and we treat our employees like we would like to be treated. We understand that smart people need flexibility, challenging projects, open communication and a motivating career path. If you would like to choose your own adventure when it comes to building a role that is right for you, we are here to support you along the way. Our flat structure and direct connections in a variety of R&D settings provides you with plenty of opportunity, while we also work hard to ensure that we create a fun environment along the way.
People also viewed
View what's on offer:
Change language to: Dutch
This page is optimised for people from the Netherlands. View the version optimised for people from the UK.