Software Engineer

BlackSea is building the next generation of maritime autonomy. Our systems deploy, operate, and deliver in the real world: on the water, under constraints, and in environments where failure matters.

From unmanned surface vessels to mission systems and autonomy software, we design, manufacture, and operate mission-ready platforms at scale. Our systems are already deployed, in operations, and shaping how autonomous fleets operate. Ideas do not sit in PowerPoint here. They move from design to build to deployment quickly.

At the core of this is Mainstay, our core platform. It connects sensors, autonomy stacks, payloads, and command and control into a single operational system.

We are hiring engineers to build that foundation.

Most software never leaves the screen. Ours operates in the real world.

What You Will Do

Build the Core Autonomy Platform

· Develop production-grade C++ systems running on real vessels

· Build distributed services that operate across constrained edge environments

· Contribute to core platform architecture used across multiple fleets Define How Systems Connect

Define System Interfaces and Integration

· Design APIs and SDKs across MAVLink, UMAA-aligned interfaces, and custom protocols

· Integrate autonomy systems, sensors, payloads, and mission software into a unified system

· Build interfaces that are stable, extensible, and field-tested

Own Control, Safety, and Command Arbitration

• Design systems that determine control authority across:
• human operators
• onboard autonomy
• external systems
• Implement deterministic arbitration logic under conflicting inputs
• Ensure safe, predictable behavior under degraded or contested conditions

Ship Software That Runs in the Field

• Work across software, networking, and hardware boundaries
• Debug real-world failures: latency, packet loss, hardware faults, and state inconsistencies
• Deploy, observe, and iterate on systems operating in production environments

Use AI to Accelerate Engineering

• Leverage tools such as OpenAI Codex and Claude Code for:
• rapid prototyping
• test generation
• debugging assistance
• Contribute to AI-assisted engineering workflows across the team

What It Takes to Win Here

· Write production grade C++ that runs reliably in the field

· Think in systems, interfaces, and failure modes

· Build APIs that others can integrate with

· Move quickly but understand where precision matters

· Debug across compute, network, autonomy, and hardware layers

· Take ownership of services, interfaces, and outcomes.

· 3 to 7 years of software engineering experience

· Strong C++ development experience

· Experience with distributed systems, APIs, and networking.

· Familiarity with robotics, autonomy, or uncrewed systems

· Experience using AI assisted development tools

Preferred

· Experience with Protobuf, MAVLink, DDS, or similar protocols

· Experience with CAN, serial, and TCP/IP wire protocols

· Exposure to UMAA or open architecture standards

· Background in autonomy, robotics, or defense systems

· Experience deploying and debugging software on physical hardware systems

We are a close-knit team of creative and innovative thinkers specializing in full lifecycle development of cutting-edge maritime technology. At BlackSea, you won’t just find a job; you’ll find a community of experts who aspire to solve diverse and complex challenges. Be part of a company where your ideas matter, your expertise is valued, and your contributions make a real impact. Together, we are not just sailing; we are charting a course to push boundaries of what’s possible.