Senior Software Engineer, Swarm Systems
Red Cat Holdings· Aviation & Aerospace· Oct 1, 2026 · 27d ago
Apium - San Diego, CA 92121
In office
Full-time
Senior
$137K–$195K est.
Job description
Position Summary
Apium Swarm Robotics (ASR) is revolutionizing swarm autonomy software for air, surface, undersea, and ground vehicles operating across dual-use commercial and defense environments. Our systems are deployed on real platforms, tested in the field, and delivered to customers operating in complex, uncertain, and safety-critical conditions.
We do not build research prototypes or slideware. Our software is integrated into real vehicles, tested in the field, and delivered to customers who depend on operational reliability, speed of execution, and mission relevance. We prioritize performance over hype.
ASR systems represent the next phase in autonomy: collaborative swarming. These are not like pre-programmed drones for light shows. We are creating real-time cooperative management that lets one operator control dozens to hundreds of vehicles in real-time with the ease of controlling a single vehicle. As such, this role requires comfort with responsibility, ambiguity, and operational accountability.
ASR seeks a software engineer to join our software development team. This role targets a developer capable of maintaining the existing code base while developing new features within our primary code base. Development targets include C++ based core swarm processes running on our ground station and onboard drones as well as the ground station Python web services.
Unlike almost any other robotics company, ASR’s advanced SITL suite allows developers to work from home, making ours one of the only robotics companies to allow remote work. Travel opportunities for testing and demonstrations will allow you to witness firsthand your contributions as dozens of drones take flight.
Position will include the development of new swarming behaviors and communication methodologies as well as the general functionality of the system.
This senior role will include participation in the improvement / redefinition of the software architecture, helping to define a more rigorous software development process.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Maintain and extend ASR C++ code base for ground station and drone operations
• Development of new swarming algorithms
• Modifications and extension of our swarm communications protocol
• Software architecture and engineering process development
Required Qualifications
• Strong development experience with C++
• Front end web development using HTML CSS, Java Script
• Backend wed development using Python
• Android development using Java or Kotlin
• Strong grasp and preference for object-oriented development methodologies
• Strong mathematical and/or physics background including comfort with vector operations
• Expert in coding in C and C++ including the standard template library
• Advanced low-level knowledge such as compiler operation and memory management
• Experience developing in a Linux environment including use of POSIX and similar libraries
• Comfort working independently with limited oversight
• Ability to remain calm and effective under operational pressure
• Experience with software development processes such as Agile
• Experience with aerospace software development processes
Additional Desired Qualifications
• BS in Computer Science or related field preferred
• Strong in background in Linux
• Experience using AI coding assistance tools
• Experience in video game development
• Experience in Autonomy systems
• Experience developing under standard architectural patters such as MVC, MVP, MVVM
• Experience with cross platform frameworks such as Flutter, React Native, Xamarin or similar
• Previous experience with microcontroller development for targets such as the STM32
• Real Time Operating Systems
• Embedded Linux including YACTO
• Experience using the Pub/Sub architectural pattern
• Previous development experience with autonomous systems
• Strong mechanical, electrical, or systems troubleshooting skills
• U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
• Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
• Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed
• Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.
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.
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Compensation: Base pay $120-166K, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.
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