Embedded Systems Engineer - Flight Controls
El Segundo, CA
Product & Engineering /
Full Time, Permanent /
On-site
CX2 is a next-generation defense technology company founded to deliver spectrum dominance for the United States and our allies. CX2’s AI-enabled hardware and software platforms detect, disrupt and defend the electromagnetic spectrum across land, air, sea and space domains.
We're seeking a highly skilled Embedded Systems Engineer to develop and integrate the core embedded software stack for autonomous UAVs operating in complex and contested environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain the flight software stack, including guidance, navigation, control, and real-time systems integration.
- Implement terminal guidance logic using vision-based or multi-sensor inputs.
- Write efficient, safety-critical code for embedded processors (C/C++, Rust).
- Develop middleware and interfaces for sensors (IMU, cameras, LIDAR, GNSS, barometer, etc.).
- Collaborate with perception and hardware teams to integrate software with avionics and payload systems.
- Create and test algorithms for control, path planning, and state estimation.
- Validate software in simulation and real-world flight environments.
- Write clear documentation and contribute to system safety and fault handling logic
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace, or related field.
- 3+ years of experience developing software for real-time systems or embedded robotics.
- Strong coding skills in C/C++ with a deep understanding of system-level constraints.
- Experience with flight control or robotics frameworks (PX4, ArduPilot, ROS 2, etc.).
- Experience working with multi-sensor data in navigation and guidance applications.
- Ability to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines.
ITAR Restrictions
- To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Note: Those currently on OPTs and/or H1Bs do not currently qualify for ITAR. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Bonus Points
- Experience in vision-based navigation (visual odometry, SLAM, or optical flow).
- Familiarity with safety-critical software practices and real-time OS (e.g., NuttX, Zephyr, RTEMS).
- Knowledge of MAVLink or custom UAV messaging protocols.
- Simulation experience using Gazebo, SITL/HITL, or custom test environments.
- Experience with custom hardware drivers, Linux kernel module development, and concurrent/parallel programming.
- Familiarity with networking and hardware buses (I2C, CAN, UART etc).
$135,000 - $185,000 a year
Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience and location.
CX2 is a next-generation defense technology company, headquartered in El Segundo, California. Our mission is to secure spectrum dominance for the United States and our allies, by building AI-enabled hardware and software platforms to detect, disrupt and defend the electromagnetic spectrum across land, air, sea and space. Founded by a team of veteran entrepreneurs, with backgrounds from Meta, SpaceX, Epirus and a16z, we are backed by the leading venture investors in the defense ecosystem.
Equal Opportunity Employer
CX2 is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in compliance with the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
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