NCCA Software/Drone Developer

Are you a skilled developer with a passion for building drones from scratch? IHMC is seeking talented individuals who excel at the intersection of software development and drone hardware design. This position provides an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in autonomous aerial systems and shape the future of intelligent drones.

The software/drone developer will help design, build, and program the next generation of unmanned aerial vehicles. This hands-on role involves both hardware integration and the development of advanced flight behaviors. You will be working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment alongside a team of researchers, engineers, and fellow developers.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Design and assemble drone platforms (frame, electronics, integration)
  • Develop flight software
  • Implement and test autonomous behaviors and drone control logic
  • Integrate sensors and subsystems (e.g., GPS, IMUs, cameras, LIDAR)
  • Contribute to software infrastructure with clean, maintainable code

 Required Qualifications:

  • Hands-on drone building experience (design, soldering, assembly)
  • Proficiency in object-oriented programming
  • Commitment to professional software development practices

 Preferred Experience:

Any of the following will strengthen your application:

  • Familiarity with drone autopilot platforms: Betaflight, ArduCopter, PX4
  • Experience with drone simulation environments
  • Background in drone control theory and autonomous navigation
  • Knowledge of common drone sensors and their integration
  • Agile development practices

Competencies:

  • High degree of emotional intelligence; social and self-awareness.
  • Ability to perform job functions independently and able to solve complex problems without significant assistance, or with limited supervision, and work effectively either on own or as part of team.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Collaborative mindset with a focus on team success within a tightly coupled, interdisciplinary team.

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary
  • Health, dental, vision insurance, life and AD&D
  • Voluntary Short & Long-Term Disability
  • 403(b)-employer investment retirement plan
  • Generous Paid Time Off

If you are interested in this opportunity, please email the following documents to nccacareers@ihmc.org.

  • Current resume in pdf format. Name your file: “YourLastName_Resume.pdf”.
  • Cover letter in pdf format. Name your file: “YourLastName_CoverLetter.pdf”; and
  • Download this Pre-Interview Questionnaire.pdf, complete and sign the form (typed signature will not be accepted) and attach it. Name your file: “YourLastName_Questionnaire.pdf

You must be authorized to work in the United States to be considered for this position.

IHMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer