Principal Software Engineer (Autonomy)

Job Title: Principal Software Engineer (Autonomy)

Location: Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA.

Compensation: $160,000 - $200,000 + Bonus Eligible

Security Clearance: Active Secret Clearance Required

Who we are: Founded in 2004 with locations in Atlanta, GA, Fort Worth, TX, Denver, CO, & Huntsville, AL, Thompson Software Solutions (TSS) is a mission-driven aerospace and defense software and systems engineering company supporting the U.S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development, integration, test, and deployment of safety & mission-critical software systems that power next-generation aircraft, defense platforms, and space technologies. Our team understands what it takes to modernize complex embedded systems while maintaining the rigor, compliance, and reliability required for mission and safety-critical environments.

As a defense-focused company of highly skilled and dedicated engineers, we take pride in solving complex technical challenges that directly impact national security and operational readiness. We partner closely with customers across the military aviation and space domains to deliver resilient, future-ready solutions with portability, sustainability, and long-term mission success in mind.

Description:

Thompson Software Solutions is seeking a senior-level Embedded Software Engineer who is ready to work with a talented team to provide innovative solutions for tomorrow’s problems. This position requires a software engineer to use a wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts in the software field to develop, integrate, and test software products. The successful candidate will be a member of a high-performing multi-site team and must be self-motivated with strong work ethic, time-management, and interpersonal skills. In this role, you will work independently at times on projects, at other times will be in a collaborative team environment with other software engineers, as well as other program development and deployment teams.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Continued eligibility for access to classified information is required throughout employment, as dictated by program needs.

Basic Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.

8+ years 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 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:

Proficient with Atlassian Tools (Confluence, JIRA, Bitbucket, etc.)

DevOps & Containerization – Experience with Docker-based development, deployment, and maintaining CI/CD pipelines.

Embedded Systems – Developing software for microcontrollers and embedded hardware platforms.

Autonomy Systems – Working with autonomous systems software and hardware, including Perception (sensors, computer vision, sensor fusion)

Motion and mission planning

Control systems

Test & Verification Engineering – Creating automated tests, validation frameworks, and verification software.

Software Quality & CI/CD – Designing and maintaining robust software quality processes, automated builds, testing, and deployment pipelines.

Electrical Engineering Fundamentals – Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and collaborate with hardware teams.

Experience communicating and documenting complex technical designs

Ability to work in a collaborative and team-based environment

Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills

Sound Exciting? Get in touch today! We have very robust benefits including:

Low-cost Medical / Dental / Vision coverage options

401K with generous employer match

Responsible Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays

Remote work opportunities based on role

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Career growth and professional development opportunities

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