Firmware and Services Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Firmware and Services Manager to lead the development of both embedded firmware for UAV systems and backend services that power connected drone operations. This role oversees a cross-functional team responsible for building, maintaining, and integrating low-level flight software with cloud-based data services, device provisioning, and fleet management tools. You will drive technical execution, cross-team collaboration, and product alignment to ensure a seamless ecosystem between airborne systems and ground-based infrastructure.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Project Management
  • Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of firmware engineers and backend developers.
  • Set development priorities and sprint plans across firmware releases and backend service updates.
  • Coordinate cross-functionally with product managers, hardware, and mobile teams to define roadmaps and technical requirements.
• Firmware Oversight
  • Guide development of embedded software for flight controllers, ESCs, radios, and sensor integration (STM32, NXP, or equivalent).
  • Ensure real-time firmware is optimized for performance, reliability, and maintainability.
  • Oversee integration with hardware abstraction layers, safety features, and OTA update systems.
• Backend Services Development
  • Manage development and deployment of cloud-based services including:
  • Drone telemetry ingestion and logging
  • Fleet/device management APIs
  • Firmware deployment pipelines
  • Remote diagnostics and health monitoring
  • Ensure backend services are secure, scalable, and compatible with field-deployed drones and ground stations.
• Integration & Infrastructure
  • Align embedded firmware with backend services for seamless field operations.
  • Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines, logging infrastructure, and automated test coverage.
  • Drive the development of developer tools and interfaces to streamline integration with flight apps, mission planners, and customer portals.
• Quality, Security & Compliance
  • Champion best practices in firmware testing, code reviews, backend monitoring, and cybersecurity.
  • Support compliance with DoD/NDAA standards, data sovereignty requirements, and export regulations.
  • Collaborate with QA, security, and customer support to ensure reliable and secure deployments

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in firmware development and/or backend cloud services.
• 2+ years of experience managing engineering teams or technical programs.
• Strong background in embedded systems (C/C++) and backend frameworks (Python, Go, Node.js, or similar).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and tools like Docker, Kubernetes, or Terraform.
• Experience with communication protocols (MAVLink, MQTT, gRPC, REST) and OTA deployment systems

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience in the drone, robotics, aerospace, or IoT industries.
• Familiarity with PX4, ArduPilot, or custom flight stacks.
• Background in telemetry encryption, device identity, and secure bootloaders.
• Understanding of DevOps practices, system observability, and high-availability architecture.
• Experience with Part 107 or military/defense UAV mission systems.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Hybrid leadership role with occasional travel for integration testing and customer engagement.
• Balance between hands-on technical oversight and strategic planning.
• Collaborative engineering environment bridging hardware, firmware, cloud, and UI.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.