Senior Software Engineer, Swarm Systems

Job Details: Job Location: Apium - San Diego, CA, Salary Range: $113965.00 - $178135.00Salary, Location: Remote/Hybrid/United States

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.

About the Job

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.

Key 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

Must be a US Person
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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Operational Requirements

Experience with software development processes such as Agile
Experience with aerospace software development processes

Compensation

Competitive Salary: $113,965 - $178,135 with opportunities for performance-based bonuses and equity

Qualifications: