Embedded Systems and Firmware Engineer - Defense Technology

About the Role

We are hiring an Embedded Systems and Firmware Engineer to join our team at Swarm Defense Technologies. This is a full-time position based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, where you will work on cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems. As an Embedded Systems and Firmware Engineer remote, you will develop and integrate firmware for advanced drone systems, contributing to national security and mission applications.

What You'll Do

• Develop, modify, and maintain PX4-based firmware for multirotor and fixed-wing platforms.
• Support the bring-up of new flight control hardware, including sensors, radios, and peripherals.
• Integrate and configure IMUs, GPS, magnetometers, airspeed sensors, radios, and payload interfaces.
• Collaborate closely with electronics and mechanical engineers to ensure seamless hardware-software integration.
• Debug real-time embedded systems using logs, telemetry, and bench tools.
• Support ground and flight testing, including data analysis and iterative tuning.
• Contribute to internal documentation and firmware configuration standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent experience.
• Strong experience in embedded C/C++ development.
• Hands-on experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or similar open-source autopilot stacks.
• Familiarity with real-time systems, sensors, and hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN).
• Experience debugging embedded systems using logs, GDB, oscilloscopes, or logic analyzers.
• Understanding of control systems, flight dynamics, and vehicle state estimation.
• Comfortable working directly with hardware and flight test teams.

Nice to Have

• Experience developing custom PX4 modules or drivers.
• Experience with ESC firmware or motor control integration.
• Familiarity with STM32 or similar microcontroller platforms.
• Experience with SITL/HITL simulation and test frameworks.
• Exposure to defense, aerospace, or safety-critical systems.

What We Offer

• Relocation Assistance: Financial support to help with your move, ensuring a smooth transition.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: 100% coverage of health insurance premiums for employees.
• Retirement Plan: Simple IRA with employer contributions to help you plan for your future.

At Swarm Defense Technologies, we foster a build-test-fly environment where firmware engineers are deeply involved in hardware bring-up, system integration, and flight testing. As an Embedded Systems and Firmware Engineer remote, you will have high ownership, short feedback loops, and the opportunity to shape both the product and the engineering process as our platforms evolve.