Full-Stack Software Engineer

As we continue to grow, Swarm Defense is looking for a self-starting and versatile Full-Stack Software Engineer who can work anywhere in our stack. Our integrated software suite powers every stage of our operations, from mission design and field deployment to fleet management and real-time command interfaces, and it talks directly to the aircraft themselves. In this role, you'll take features from end to end: the APIs that interface with our flight firmware, the MAVLink messaging between ground and air, and the interfaces operators use to put new capabilities to work. You'll work closely with our senior engineers and firmware team and take ownership of implementation so the whole team can move faster. Our applications process large volumes of live data for real-time use and rendering, so we care about code that is efficient as well as correct.

We're a small, close-knit team, and we care as much about who you are as what you can build. We're looking for someone who communicates openly, takes feedback well, and makes the people around them better.

To apply please include your resume in the linkedin apply. Cover Letters are preferred but not required.

If you're not sure what to write for the cover letter, here are some things we'd love to hear about: a problem you identified and solved before anyone asked you to, a time you learned a new technology quickly, or simply why this kind of work excites you.

We read every application personally. To separate yourself from the noise, send your resume and an optional cover letter directly to [email protected]. It is a small thing that tells us a lot.

• Own features end to end, from backend services and APIs through to the operator-facing interface.
• Build and maintain APIs and services in Go and Python that interface with drone firmware and onboard hardware.
• Implement and extend MAVLink messaging, including custom messages, commands and telemetry handling between ground software and aircraft.
• Build frontend interfaces in React and TypeScript for new features across desktop and mobile.
• Work with the firmware team to define interfaces and message contracts, and test them together on real and simulated hardware.
• Write and maintain automated tests at every level (unit, integration, end-to-end and simulation-based) for the code you ship, and help grow test coverage across the stack.
• Profile, debug and optimize performance across the stack, from high-rate telemetry processing on the backend to rendering on the frontend. Efficiency is a core part of the job, not an afterthought.
• Participate in code reviews, promote team best practices, and contribute to code quality and documentation.
• Support customer relations and internal teams with software troubleshooting and documentation.
• Participate in field testing opportunities as needed.

• Proof of US citizenship required.
• 3+ years of professional software development experience across both frontend and backend.
• Proficiency in Go, Python, and React with TypeScript preferred; comparable languages and demonstrated ability to learn new languages acceptable.
• Experience designing and building REST and websocket APIs.
• Comfortable working close to hardware: binary protocols, serial or UDP communication, and device telemetry.
• Comfortable working in Linux environments and familiar with Docker.
• Experience working with SQL databases (PostgreSQL or SQLite).
• Strong background in automated testing: writing testable code and building unit, integration and end-to-end test suites that run reliably in CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong debugging skills, able to trace a problem from the interface through the backend to the aircraft.
• Strong grasp of performance fundamentals: algorithmic complexity, efficient data structures, memory allocation and concurrency. You write code that holds up under real-time load.
• Experience finding and fixing performance bottlenecks with profilers and measurements rather than guesswork.
• Excited to dive into unfamiliar parts of a codebase. Able to shift gears quickly in a rapidly evolving technology space.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate on complex software projects with many moving parts and leverage effective git version control.
• Effective communicator comfortable working with technical and non-technical team members.

• Experience with MAVLink, PX4 or ArduPilot.
• Exposure to embedded or firmware development (C or C++, microcontrollers, serial protocols).
• Understanding of networking and the challenges of managing connections with thousands of devices.
• Experience with simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing, such as PX4 SITL, Gazebo or HITL test rigs.
• Experience with test frameworks across our stack, such as Go's testing package, pytest, Vitest or Jest, and Playwright.
• Android (Kotlin) or Electron experience.
• Real-time maps or data visualization in the browser.
• Experience with profiling tools such as Go pprof, Chrome DevTools or the React Profiler, and with optimizing UIs that update many times per second.
• Ability to identify user experience friction points and empathize with users, even before feedback is given.
• Experience working with AI code development tools across the software development workflow.

• Relocation Assistance: We offer financial support to help with your move, ensuring a smooth transition as you join our team.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: We cover 100% of health insurance premiums for our employees.
• Retirement Plan: We offer a Simple IRA with employer contributions to help you plan for your future.

Swarm Defense is a rapidly expanding business operating in a dynamic and fast-paced environment that presents fresh challenges driven by project needs and customer feedback. Our team is passionate and deeply invested in the work we do, taking pride in the innovative products we build. We believe in rewarding initiative and encourage team members to take ownership of projects and explore areas that align with their passions. Whether it's improving existing systems or pioneering new ideas, our culture fosters creativity, autonomy, and continuous growth.

Swarm Defense is a sister company to Firefly Drone Shows and Systems, with an engineering team that works across both companies.