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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Temporary Software Engineer I - Autonomous Systems, Missouri Institute for Defen - **Company:** University of Missouri - **Location:** Kansas City, MO, United States - **Experience:** Starter - **Salary:** $72,800.0 - $76,960.0 - **Contract:** Temporary contract - **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Artificial Intelligence, Arduino, Computer Vision, User Authentication, C++ (Programming Language), Configuration Management, Collaborative Software, Computer Programming, Computer Networks, Computer Engineering, Data Security, Linux, Middleware, Hardware Interface Design, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, IP Addressing, Interoperability, Python (Programming Language), Log Analysis, Machine Learning, Routing, Network Service, OpenCV, Software Architecture, Raspberry Pi, Smart Devices, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Web Services, WebSocket, Wireless Networks, Planning Software, Data Logging, Software Modules, Pytorch, Firewalls (Computer Science), Git, Containerization, Information Technology, Multiaccess Edge Computing, Restful APIs, Software Version Control, Docker, Web Api - **Published:** August 3, 2026 - **Apply:** https://jobs.localjobnetwork.com/apply/add/87947007/1 ## About the Role * Master's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, information technology, or a closely related field. * At least one year of applied software development, research, internship, military, or project experience involving autonomous systems, robotics, embedded systems, networked platforms,or related engineering work. * Strong programming ability in Python or another systems-oriented (e.g., C/C++) language. * Experience with Linux, Git-based version control, Docker or other container tools, and structured software-development workflows. * Experience developing or integrating REST APIs, WebSocket services, SDKs, message-based interfaces, or other machine-to-machine communication mechanisms. * Knowledge of networking concepts and troubleshooting, including IP addressing, ports, TCP/UDP, wireless networking, routing, firewalls, authentication, and secure data exchange. * Experience with embedded or edge-computing platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ESP32, or similar hardware. * Experience with autonomous drones, uncrewed aerial systems, robotics, navigation, mission-planning software, flight controllers, sensors, or ground-control systems is strongly preferred. * Experience with computer vision, AI/ML, OpenCV, PyTorch, or related tools is beneficial for perception and autonomy applications. * Demonstrated ability to test integrated systems, analyze logs, isolate failures, and move prototypes toward reliable operation. * Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and collaboratively in laboratory and field-test environments. ## Description The Missouri Institute for Defense & Energy (MIDE) conducts applied research and development in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and advanced engineering. MIDE works with university researchers and external partners to translate emerging technologies into reliable, deployable capabilities. The Temporary Software Engineer - Autonomous Systems will support the development, integration, and testing of software for autonomous drone navigation and mission execution. The position will build software pipelines and platform interfaces that connect flight systems, sensors, edge-computing hardware, mission-planning tools, and external services through APIs. A major focus will be ensuring reliable network communication, secure data exchange, and interoperability across software and hardware platforms. The employee will work with faculty, engineers, researchers, and project partners to move software from prototype development through laboratory and field testing. This is a temporary, hourly, non-benefit-eligible staff position. The role is expected to be primarily on-site in Kansas City, Missouri, and may include occasional domestic travel for integration activities and field tests. Job Roles: * Develop, test, and maintain software modules in Python, or related languages for autonomous navigation, mission planning, and mission execution. * Build data and control pipelines for waypoint generation, vehicle status, telemetry, command execution, sensor data, mission logs, and post-mission analysis. * Integrate third-party APIs, software development kits, web services, middleware, and hardware interfaces across flight controllers, edge devices, ground-control systems, and external platforms. * Configure and troubleshoot wired and wireless network interfaces, addressing, ports, routing, protocols, authentication, permissions, and connectivity needed for reliable system operation. * Deploy and maintain software on Linux-based edge-computing platforms, including NVIDIA Jetson, Raspberry Pi, or comparable embedded systems. Use version control, containerization, logging, configuration management, and reproducible deployment practices to support collaborative software development. * Support simulation, software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, laboratory, and field testing; collect results and diagnose software, hardware, and communication failures. * Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including software architecture notes, API/interface specifications, setup instructions, test plans, results, and troubleshooting guides. * Coordinate with project leads and interdisciplinary team members, communicate technical risks and progress, and follow applicable laboratory, flight-test, safety, and information-security procedures. * Perform other related software engineering and systems-integration duties as assigned. ## Related Videos - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered) - [Robots are coming into the wild! Full-Stack Robotics Engineers, be ready!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/479-robots-are-coming-into-the-wild-full-stack-robotics-engineers-be-ready) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) - [Docker build without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100114-docker-build-without-docker) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [What Jobs Can You Get with a Software Engineering Degree?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/398-what-jobs-can-you-get-with-a-software-engineering-degree)