Principal Software Engineer

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. As we expand into Denver, we are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.

You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.

What You'll Do

Our Principal Software Engineer will:

• Provide technical leadership across the full software development lifecycle.
• Architect, design, and deliver complex software systems as a technical authority and decision-maker.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders, including Product, Design, and Engineering leadership.
• Mentor engineers, working with the team to develop a software development plan.
• Drive high-impact initiatives across multiple platforms, to break hard problems down into actionable solutions.
• Lead technical discussions and design reviews, ensuring architectural integrity, code quality, and alignment with product and platform strategy.
• Support deployments in the field, including hands-on involvement with product testing, demonstrations and live debugging of real-world issues.
• Continuously improve system performance, identifying bottlenecks, optimizing code paths, and closing security vulnerabilities.
• Contribute to the evolution of the engineering culture, championing innovation, quality, and engineering excellence across the organization.

• Expert-level software development skills, including C++, with a deep understanding of advanced programming concepts, performance optimization, and modern programming standards.
• Proven experience designing and architecting large-scale, cross-platform software systems.
• Experience with embedded Linux, Android, and Qt.
• Experience designing intuitive, responsive user interfaces with QML, and integrating with backend systems using REST and JSON.
• Strong understanding of software development processes, including coding standards, agile development, and CI / CT / CD, etc.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex ideas and influence stakeholders across disciplines.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field, with 10+ years of professional software development experience, including 2+ years in a technical leadership or architectural role.

• Background or hands-on experience with UAVs, aircraft, robotics, or hobby drones.
• Extensive hands-on experience with the Qt framework, including QtWidgets and QML, and a strong understanding of the Qt meta-object system.
• Demonstrated success building and deploying cross-platform applications (Windows, Linux, and/or Android) using Qt.
• Strong understanding of build systems and configuration tools, including CMake, QMake, and compiler toolchains for multiple target platforms.
• Fluency in using version control (Git) and experience with branching strategies, tagging, and collaborative workflows.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment as well as various electronic power supplies and test equipment. Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office and requires use of standard office and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross-functional collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities.

ITAR Requirement

In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.
• On-site gym

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Pay Range For This Role Is

190,000 - 245,000 USD per year(DF02)