At Origin Robotics, we build software-first autonomous aerial systems for national defense. Our UAS platforms are deployed with NATO allies and frontline partners, supporting real-world operations that protect lives and secure critical missions. As a growing defense technology company, we’re looking for a technically elite and mission-aligned R&D Software Lead to take full ownership of our core software systems.

This is a high-impact role for an experienced engineer who combines technical mastery with a clear sense of responsibility and purpose. Working under the CTO and reporting directly to the CEO, you’ll lead software execution across embedded systems, autonomy, and control—while collaborating with our R&D Hardware Lead, Electronics Department, and senior leadership.

The Impact You’ll Make You’ll lead the development of next-generation UAS software—spanning avionics, autonomy, communications, and flight control. From concept to deployment, you’ll plan, architect, and deliver reliable, real-time systems built for the operational edge.

In close collaboration with hardware and electronics teams, you’ll ensure system-wide cohesion and performance. As a core member of the senior management team, you’ll connect engineering strategy to product outcomes, while upholding the precision and discipline expected in defense.

This role demands the right mindset: integrity, accountability, discretion, and the ability to lead in a mission-critical, high-consequence environment.

How You’ll Contribute Leadership & Project Control

Lead software development lifecycles from concept to deployment—covering embedded, desktop, flight, and AI/autonomy systems.

Own technical architecture, systems designs, quality control, execution plans and milestone tracking. Ensure modular, robust, and secure system design that meets defense-grade standards.

Take full responsibility for software delivery across teams and domains.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with the R&D Hardware Lead and Electronics Department on system design, integration, and testing.

Align embedded software with sensors, payloads, communications systems, and avionics.

Apply structured engineering practices to drive seamless end-to-end integration.

Real-World Testing & Autonomy

Direct bench, HIL (hardware-in-the-loop), and field-testing of full UAS platforms.

Support degraded environment operations (GPS loss, jamming, low comms).

Lead integration of autonomy stacks, path planning, and ML-based perception.

Strategic Influence

Report to CTO and CEO, contributing to company-wide R&D decisions.

Convert long-term vision into software development plans and resourcing.

Guide hiring and technical scaling efforts as part of the senior leadership team.

Your Strengths Demonstrated experience in software development and leading technical teams

Background in UAS, robotics, or embedded autonomy platforms.

Skills in C++, Python, and embedded Linux or RTOS environments.

Knowledge of real-time systems, control theory, and sensor integration.

Familiarity with PX4, ROS2, MAVLink, and structured flight control architectures.

Hands-on experience working across software, hardware, and electronics domains.

Fluent in English.

Strong sense of integrity, confidentiality, and alignment with defense-sector responsibility.

Why Join Origin Robotics? Mission-first focus: What you build supports frontline personnel and national defense.

Real systems, real impact: Your software is fielded in live, high-consequence environments.

Leadership & autonomy: Shape technology, lead execution, and influence R&D strategy.

Cross-functional excellence: Collaborate with top-tier hardware and electronics engineers.

Built to deliver: You don’t just ship features, you build reliable, mission-ready systems.