> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3082774-uav-autopilot-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3082774-uav-autopilot-software-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# UAV Autopilot Software Engineer

- **Company:** Morson Group
- **Location:** Semley, UK
- **Salary:** £124,800.0 - £135,200.0
- **Contract:** Temporary contract
- **Skills:** C++ (Programming Language), Software Documentation, Software Debugging, Linux, Linux on Embedded Systems, Firmware, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Real-Time Operating Systems, Sensor Fusion, Systems Integration, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, Hardware Testing, Reliability of Systems, Information Technology, Deployment Automation, Software Version Control, GNSS
- **Published:** September 26, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5898221616

## About the Role

* Experience contributing to or working with ArduPilot and/or PX4 codebases.
 * Solid understanding of flight dynamics, control theory, and state estimation (Kalman filtering/EKF).
 * Experience with embedded Linux and/or real-time operating systems (NuttX, ChibiOS).
 * Familiarity with MAVLink protocol and UAV communication architectures.
 * Practical experience flight testing or bench testing UAV platforms.
 * Degree in Aerospace, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
 * Experience with ROS/ROS2, DroneCAN/UAVCAN, or companion computer integration.
 * Familiarity with GPS-denied navigation, sensor fusion, or autonomy stacks.
 * Knowledge of UK/EASA UAS regulations and BVLOS operations.
 * Prior work in a defence, aerospace.
 * Eligibility for UK Government security clearance (SC/DV)

## Description

* Develop and maintain firmware for ArduPilot and/or PX4 flight stacks, including custom drivers, control laws, and mission logic.
 * Tune flight controllers (PID, EKF/INS parameters) and support flight testing across a range of airframes.
 * Integrate sensors and payloads (GNSS/INS, IMU, airspeed, lidar, cameras) over MAVLink, CAN, UART, and I2C/SPI interfaces.
 * Work with ground control stations (Mission Planner, QGroundControl) and support telemetry/command-and-control links.
 * Debug flight logs and telemetry to diagnose in-field issues and improve system reliability and safety.
 * Collaborate with hardware, systems, and test engineers to support platform integration and certification activities.
 * Contribute to software documentation, version control, and CI/testing processes.

Technologies:

 * Embedded
 * Firmware
 * Hardware
 * Support
 * Linux
 * ROS
 * Robotics
 * Security
 * Sensor Fusion
 * C++, We are recruiting for an Autopilot Software Engineer to develop, integrate, and test flight control software for our unmanned aerial systems using ArduPilot and/or PX4. This is a 6-month initial contract based in Wiltshire, with an option to go permanent. The target rate is £60-65 per hour Ltd, negotiable, and the role is outside IR35. You will work across the full stack, from low-level sensor drivers and control loops through to ground control station integration, supporting fixed-wing, multirotor, and VTOL platforms.


## Related Videos

- [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker)
- [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine)
- [Reality and Beyond: Coding a Drone Using {Unity 3D .NET} and ChatGPT AI!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/702-reality-and-beyond-coding-a-drone-using-unity-3d-net-and-chatgpt-ai)
- [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker)
- [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies)
- [Agent Smith Gets Hardware: Autonomous IoT Hacking From Debug Port to Cloud API](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100258-agent-smith-gets-hardware-autonomous-iot-hacking-from-debug-port-to-cloud-api)

## Related Articles

- [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology)
- [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs)
- [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk)
- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [Software Engineer Salary in The UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/231-software-engineer-salary-in-the-uk)
- [Frontend Developer Salary in The UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/233-frontend-developer-salary-in-the-uk)