Principal Software Engineer
Enigma Aerospace
Software Engineering
Burlington, MA, USA
Posted on May 10, 2025
Enigma Aerospace is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the development of our mission autonomy and flight software platform. This is a foundational engineering role on a deeply technical team building the most capable runway-independent autonomous aircraft system ever fielded. We're looking for a hands-on technical leader with a passion for aviation and a track record of delivering complex aerospace technologies. In this role, you will own architecture and implementation of the core software stack that enables mission autonomy, logistics planning, command and control (C2), and operator interfacing. Success in this role requires deep experience in software systems architecture, full stack application design and development, systems integration, test, and operations of large autonomous aircraft platforms. This is a critical role for an engineer who wants to build systems that matter, on aircraft that will be fielded in an operational environment.
Responsibilities
- Define the full-stack software system architecture and interfaces across applications, backend, and real-time systems
- Design and implement mission software and backend and frontend systems for mission planning, operation, autonomy, and operator control
- Build APIs and integration points with flight controls, avionics, and telemetry systems
- Identify, build relationships, and manage software products and vendors which can be integrated into the system enabling faster development time
- Develop internal tooling for simulation, HIL/SIL testing, provisioning, field testing, data analysis, and operator-facing systems
- Collaborate across teams to ensure system-wide reliability, testability, and mission readiness
- Plan, execute, and analyze component, sub-systems, and full-system-flight testing to ensure performance and reliability
- Help define software roadmap, infrastructure, personnel needs, and internal standards as the team grows
- Support testing, flight ops, and deployment in the field
- Travel up to 30% of the time including domestic and international
Desired Qualifications
- BS/MS in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field
- 7+ years of experience in autonomy, robotics systems development, and application software development
- Proficient in Python, C and C++ with experience integrating with real-time embedded systems
- Strong systems thinking and architectural judgment
- Experience deploying mission-critical software for robotics or aerospace platforms
- Must be eligible to work in the U.S
Great to Have Qualifications and Skills
- Experience with PX4, ROS, or other UAS & robotics frameworks
- Experience with UAS, ground control stations, or telemetry systems
- Familiarity with autonomy stacks, planning algorithms, or fleet coordination
- Strong understanding of interface design between hardware and software
- Experience with simulation, test automation, and operator UX
- You are a thoughtful communicator and problem-solver with high standards
- You take ownership, move fast, and are motivated by building systems that work in the real world
- You are an ambitious and self-motivated individual who eagerly approaches ambiguity and is committed to delivering a high-quality work product
- You are a highly detail-oriented with a track record of sound judgement
- You are an avid aviation enthusiast, private pilot, and have flight experience
- You have military experience and hold a security clearance
Benefits, Equity, & Work Location
Enigma Aerospace offers a competitive benefits package including generous
healthcare and ST/LT disability coverage with the option to include an HSA, a 401k plan with a company match component, unlimited PTO, flexible work-from-home policies, stock options, free parking on-site, and a well-stocked snacks and coffee environment. This position is eligible for a significant equity grant.
Our headquarters is currently located in Burlington, MA. This position is primarily on-site, but remote may be considered for exceptional candidates.
About Enigma Aerospace
Enigma Aerospace is building the next-generation autonomous air cargo solution for military and commercial markets. By combining a novel fixed-wing aircraft design with advanced mission and flight autonomy software, Enigma enables runway-independent resupply in vast, contested theaters and dramatically reduces the cost of commercial cargo delivery.
Headquartered in Burlington, MA, Enigma is a venture-backed company founded by UAS and logistics experts, including a U.S. Air Force veteran. The founding team brings experience from leading organizations such as American Robotics, Airobotics, Exponent, the United States Air Force, Parsons, DIU, and Apple.
