Job Title: Flight Software Tools Engineer
Company: Grid.aero
Location: Onsite 4 days/week [San Leandro, CA]

About Grid.aero

Grid.aero is building the next generation of autonomous aviation systems for defense and commercial applications. Led by experienced aerospace and technology operators and backed by leading venture investors, we solve hard operational problems at the intersection of autonomy, resilient logistics, and scalable air mobility. We move quickly, operate with urgency, and build systems designed for real-world deployment where small teams own meaningful problems end-to-end.

Read this, we mean it → Above all, we look for exceptional builders with deep internal drive, massive throughput, hopeless optimism, and a relentless growth mindset. The people who thrive at Grid operate with urgency, learn quickly, adapt fast, and are energized by hard problems with no obvious answers. We value individuals who continuously push themselves and the team around them to improve.

This is an opportunity to work on products with national and global impact alongside a collaborative team that values technical excellence, execution, and mission focus.

What You’ll Do:

Develop ground station and embedded onboard software.
Own the telemetry logging and analysis pipeline, including instrumentation frameworks, real-time monitoring, and large-scale post processing.
Develop tools to automate setup, build, and deployment for flight, ground and simulation platforms.
Establish and maintain a Continuous Integration system
Test and debug hardware and software in Hardware-in-the-loop simulators and on aircraft.
Travel to Merced, CA for flight test support expected on a regular basis.
Participate in cross-functional discussions about Grid’s product and mentor teams on software standards and best practices.

Key Qualifications:

2+ years experience in programming and engineering
Strong programming skills in C++ (POSIX API on Linux systems) or Python
Experience with git and basic software workflow automation
Experience configuring and rolling out build and test systems such as Cmake, Bazel, and Buildkite in a professional setting
Background in robotics, mechatronics, or computer science with hands-on experience
Interest in autonomy, AI, or aviation (aviation experience is a plus, but not required)
Embedded software and RTOS experience is a plus, but not required
Prior experience in an early-stage startup or adaptable to dynamic, fast-paced environments

Compensation: $150k -$190k / 0.1-0.3% Equity

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Grid.aero is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Legal Notice:

Grid.aero is committed to complying with U.S. export control laws. Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).