Matternet is building the future of delivery with autonomous drone networks that move critical goods faster, cleaner, and at lower cost. We work with partners across healthcare, logistics, food, and retail to deliver everything from medical items to everyday essentials, safely and reliably.We’re seeking a Senior Onboard Software Engineer to develop the software that runs on our aircraft and ground assets. Working primarily in C++ on embedded Linux, you’ll develop and harden the safety-critical subsystems that allow our drones to fly autonomous Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) missions across varied environments, from open airspace to dense, urban areas. This is a senior individual-contributor role with real ownership: you'll own specific subsystems end-to-end, drive implementation through simulation and flight test, and partner with teams across the company to validate and support them in the field.In this role, you will: Own safety-critical onboard subsystems that enhance our UAS capabilities and safety mitigationsBuild the systems that allow aircraft to fly autonomously in demanding environments, including dense urban airspacesDeliver major customer-facing features on flight and ground assets, while balancing performance, safety, and reliabilityDrive software verification and release, from simulation and flight test to deployment across production fleetsProvide senior technical support, triaging and solving field and flight-test issuesCollaborate with stakeholders within Engineering, Operations, Safety, and ProductionRequirements5+ years of production software engineering, owning major subsystems end-to-endExpertise in C++ or later, multithreading, real-time messaging, and algorithm design and optimizationStrong Linux background and experience with cross-compilingExperience with Python, YAML, and other scripting toolsSolid applied math skills (geometry, coordinate transforms, kinematics) for navigation and avoidanceProven ability to implement and validate complex native systems and validate them in simulation and on hardwareProficiency with version control and peer code review workflows (e.g. Git)Excellent technical communication and strong cross-disciplinary teamwork in a fast-paced environmentPreferred Qualifications:UAV, autonomous robotics, aerospace, or other safety-critical regulated experienceExperience using AI coding assistants to accelerate developmentFamiliarity with an autopilot stack such as ArduPilot or PX4Computer vision and perception (OpenCV or similar) and sensor integrationExperience with Docker, and containerized build, test, and development environmentsExperience with distributed systems, networking, and fleet managementRelevant mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering experienceWork Environment:In-person role based at Matternet Headquarters and access to our flight test facilityThe ability to work and communicate efficiently online with a hybrid team is critical to successBenefitsAt Matternet, we’re advancing a new era of logistics, one where autonomous drones deliver what matters faster, cleaner, and more efficiently. We know our mission is challenging, but it's worth it, and we are committed to taking care of the people who make it possible.Compensation: The expected starting range for this role is $180,000–$240,000, based on San Francisco Bay Area market data. This range reflects the target starting pay for candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for the role. Final compensation will depend on factors such as your experience, skills, level, location, and potential impact.Total Rewards: In addition to base pay, our compensation packages include equity and benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts (FSA), unlimited paid time off, company holidays, and a 401(k) plan.
Matternet is building the future of delivery with autonomous drone networks that move critical goods faster, cleaner, and at lower cost. We work with partners across healthcare, logistics, food, and retail to deliver everything from medical items to everyday essentials, safely and reliably.
We’re seeking a Senior Onboard Software Engineer to develop the software that runs on our aircraft and ground assets. Working primarily in C++ on embedded Linux, you’ll develop and harden the safety-critical subsystems that allow our drones to fly autonomous Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) missions across varied environments, from open airspace to dense, urban areas. This is a senior individual-contributor role with real ownership: you'll own specific subsystems end-to-end, drive implementation through simulation and flight test, and partner with teams across the company to validate and support them in the field.
In this role, you will:
- Own safety-critical onboard subsystems that enhance our UAS capabilities and safety mitigations
- Build the systems that allow aircraft to fly autonomously in demanding environments, including dense urban airspaces
- Deliver major customer-facing features on flight and ground assets, while balancing performance, safety, and reliability
- Drive software verification and release, from simulation and flight test to deployment across production fleets
- Provide senior technical support, triaging and solving field and flight-test issues
- Collaborate with stakeholders within Engineering, Operations, Safety, and Production
Requirements
- 5+ years of production software engineering, owning major subsystems end-to-end
- Expertise in C++ or later, multithreading, real-time messaging, and algorithm design and optimization
- Strong Linux background and experience with cross-compiling
- Experience with Python, YAML, and other scripting tools
- Solid applied math skills (geometry, coordinate transforms, kinematics) for navigation and avoidance
- Proven ability to implement and validate complex native systems and validate them in simulation and on hardware
- Proficiency with version control and peer code review workflows (e.g. Git)
- Excellent technical communication and strong cross-disciplinary teamwork in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Qualifications:
- UAV, autonomous robotics, aerospace, or other safety-critical regulated experience
- Experience using AI coding assistants to accelerate development
- Familiarity with an autopilot stack such as ArduPilot or PX4
- Computer vision and perception (OpenCV or similar) and sensor integration
- Experience with Docker, and containerized build, test, and development environments
- Experience with distributed systems, networking, and fleet management
- Relevant mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering experience
Work Environment:
- In-person role based at Matternet Headquarters and access to our flight test facility
- The ability to work and communicate efficiently online with a hybrid team is critical to success
Benefits
At Matternet, we’re advancing a new era of logistics, one where autonomous drones deliver what matters faster, cleaner, and more efficiently. We know our mission is challenging, but it's worth it, and we are committed to taking care of the people who make it possible.
- Compensation: The expected starting range for this role is $180,000–$240,000, based on San Francisco Bay Area market data. This range reflects the target starting pay for candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for the role. Final compensation will depend on factors such as your experience, skills, level, location, and potential impact.
- Total Rewards: In addition to base pay, our compensation packages include equity and benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts (FSA), unlimited paid time off, company holidays, and a 401(k) plan.
Matternet is the leading developer of commercial drone delivery systems for urban and suburban environments. The company builds the Matternet M2 drone and Matternet Software Platform and operates its technology directly for customers or in partnership with logistics organizations, such as UPS. Matternet has achieved many industry firsts, including being the first company to be authorized for commercial Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone delivery operations over cities in Switzerland, the first to launch routine revenue-generating operations in the U.S., and the first to achieve standard Type Certification and Production Certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Matternet is partnered with UPS and Ameriflight, who have received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate the Matternet M2 under Part 135. Matternet, launched the world’s first humanitarian drone delivery missions in 2014, the first B2B healthcare operations in Europe in 2017 and in the US in 2019. To date, Matternet technology has enabled tens of thousands of commercial flights over dense urban and suburban environments in the U.S. and Europe.For more information about Matternet, please visit: https://matternet.com
Matternet is the leading developer of commercial drone delivery systems for urban and suburban environments. The company builds the Matternet M2 drone and Matternet Software Platform and operates its technology directly for customers or in partnership with logistics organizations, such as UPS. Matternet has achieved many industry firsts, including being the first company to be authorized for commercial Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone delivery operations over cities in Switzerland, the first to launch routine revenue-generating operations in the U.S., and the first to achieve standard Type Certification and Production Certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Matternet is partnered with UPS and Ameriflight, who have received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate the Matternet M2 under Part 135. Matternet, launched the world’s first humanitarian drone delivery missions in 2014, the first B2B healthcare operations in Europe in 2017 and in the US in 2019. To date, Matternet technology has enabled tens of thousands of commercial flights over dense urban and suburban environments in the U.S. and Europe.
For more information about Matternet, please visit: https://matternet.com
