Job Opportunities API

Embedded Software Engineer • Operations • Tampa, FL Description XTEND Tampa is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer to support the development, integration, and production of autonomous drone systems. This role focuses on hands-on embedded software and firmware development for tactical UAS platforms, including low-level driver development, hardware/software integration, communication interfaces, and embedded system debugging. The engineer will work closely with electrical, mechanical, software, and production teams to ensure reliable, manufacturable, and field-ready drone systems. Main Responsibilities Embedded Software & Firmware Development • Develop, maintain, and improve embedded software and firmware for autonomous drone systems using C, with occasional support using C++ and Python. Hardware / Software Integration • Work directly with hardware components, embedded processors, co-processors, sensors, payload interfaces, and peripheral devices to ensure reliable system-level integration. Low-Level Driver Development • Develop and support low-level drivers and communication interfaces, including I2C, UART, SPI, GPIO, and other embedded hardware protocols. Microcontroller Development • Support embedded development on STM ARM microcontroller-based platforms, including firmware implementation, debugging, and hardware bring-up. System Integration Support • Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, software, and production teams during prototype development, system integration, and production troubleshooting. Debugging & Troubleshooting • Troubleshoot firmware, hardware, PCB, and interface-level issues using engineering tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, debuggers, and schematics. Core Operating System Support • Contribute to the development and refinement of XTEND’s embedded software architecture and core operating environment for drone and payload systems. Testing & Validation • Support bench testing, hardware-in-the-loop testing, system integration testing, and field validation of embedded systems. Documentation • Develop and maintain embedded software documentation, interface descriptions, test procedures, troubleshooting guides, and integration notes. Requirements Education - B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical discipline. Experience - 3+ years of hands-on experience in embedded software or firmware development. Embedded Programming - Strong experience developing embedded software in C. Hardware Integration - Experience debugging and integrating software directly on hardware platforms. Communication Protocols - Experience implementing or troubleshooting embedded communication protocols such as I2C, UART, SPI, GPIO, or similar interfaces. Microcontrollers - Experience working with STM ARM microcontrollers or similar embedded processor platforms. Debugging Tools - Proficiency using oscilloscopes and other bench-level debugging tools to troubleshoot embedded systems, PCBs, and hardware interfaces. Schematics & Board-Level Understanding - Ability to read schematics, understand board-level design intent, and support hardware/software troubleshooting. Hands-On Engineering - Comfortable working directly with hardware, prototypes, production systems, and fielded equipment. Team Collaboration - Strong communication skills with the ability to work across embedded software, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, production, and field support teams. Preferred Qualifications • Experience with C++ and/or Python. • Experience with Linux kernel development or embedded Linux environments. • Familiarity with ROS2. • Experience using Git or similar software configuration management tools. • Experience with drone systems, robotics, autonomous systems, aerospace systems, or defense-related products. • Experience supporting prototype builds, production environments, or fielded hardware systems. • Familiarity with real-time systems, sensor integration, payload control, or communication modules.