Position Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled Embedded Software Engineer to optimize the video pipeline for our fleet of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). In this role, you will be responsible for developing low-level Linux drivers and software for on-board camera sensors and video hardware. You will work closely with hardware, firmware, and autonomy teams to deliver a robust, high-performance, and low-latency video streaming system that is critical for real-time control and autonomous flight.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Linux Video Driver Development: Design, implement, and maintain custom Linux video drivers, with a strong focus on the Video4Linux2 (V4L2) framework, to interface with and configure various camera sensors and video processing hardware.
- Video Pipeline Optimization: Optimize the entire video stream, from sensor capture to encoding and transmission. This includes performance tuning for low-latency video and efficient power consumption on embedded Linux platforms.
- Board Support Package (BSP) Integration: Contribute to the BSP by integrating camera modules and configuring the Linux kernel for drone-specific hardware, such as NVIDIA Jetson or other ARM-based System-on-Chips (SoCs).
- Embedded C/C++ Programming: Write and debug robust C/C++ code for real-time embedded systems, ensuring reliability and performance in flight-critical applications.
- Hardware Integration: Collaborate with electrical engineers to bring up new hardware and debug issues using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG/SWD debuggers.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with autonomy and control systems teams to meet the video needs for computer vision, AI/ML, and other autonomous functions.
- System Testing: Plan and execute test procedures to verify software performance, both in automated test environments and during flight tests.
- Documentation: Maintain clear and detailed documentation of software designs, code, and test results.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in embedded software development on Linux-based systems.
- Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming and experience with real-time systems.
- In-depth knowledge of the Linux kernel and developing kernel-level device drivers, particularly within the V4L2 framework.
- Hands-on experience with hardware bring-up and debugging on embedded platforms.
- Experience with video compression standards such as H.264/H.265.
- Familiarity with common embedded hardware communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, etc.).
Additional Desired Qualifications
- Experience in the robotics or drone industry, with knowledge of flight controllers (e.g., PX4, ArduPilot).
- Experience with embedded platforms like NVIDIA Jetson, Raspberry Pi, or other ARM-based systems.
- Familiarity with advanced video streaming technologies and multimedia frameworks like GStreamer.
- Background in camera sensor configuration and Image Signal Processor (ISP) tuning.
- Experience with computer vision or machine learning applications.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
- Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
- Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
- May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
- Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
- Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed
- Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.
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.
