[Hiring] Software Engineer - Flight Control & Mission Systems @Draganfly Innovations

Role Description

Draganfly Innovations is seeking a highly motivated Software Engineer - Flight Control & Mission Systems to join our growing UAV software team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on building mission-critical systems and wants to see their work deployed in real-world environments.

You will design, develop, and enhance our Ground Control software, supporting mission planning, telemetry, and flight control across our drone ecosystem. Your work will directly impact the performance, reliability, and safety of our UAV operations. You will collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, firmware, flight operations, and product teams to deliver integrated, high-performing systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build responsive, real-time user interfaces using Qt/QML
• Integrate custom payloads, sensors, and mission-specific controls
• Implement and extend MAVLink-based communications for command and telemetry
• Develop and maintain additional in-house software applications
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements and ensure seamless integration
• Debug complex system issues using logs, telemetry, and flight feedback
• Optimize performance, stability, and scalability across Linux and Windows
• Contribute to system architecture and code quality through reviews and best practices
• Maintain clean, well-documented code and technical documentation
• Participate in code reviews and CI/CD workflows using Git

Who are you really?

• You take ownership of your work and care deeply about building reliable, high-quality systems
• You are curious and proactive, always looking to improve how things are built
• You enjoy solving complex problems and don’t shy away from debugging challenging issues
• You collaborate well across teams and communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• You are comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment where priorities can shift
• You thrive when your work has real-world impact, especially in mission-critical environments
• You value accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in modern C++ (C++11/14/17)
• Experience building GUI applications with Qt (Qt Widgets and/or QML)
• Strong understanding of object-oriented design and software architecture
• Proven ability to debug complex systems and solve technical challenges
• Proficiency in Linux development environments
• Experience with Git and collaborative workflows (PRs, branching, reviews)
• Experience building cross-platform desktop applications (Linux/Windows)
• Solid understanding of networking, real-time systems, and client-server architecture
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience

Nice to have

• Experience with QGroundControl, Mission Planner, or similar tools
• Knowledge of MAVLink, PX4, or ArduPilot ecosystems
• Experience with telemetry systems and flight log analysis
• Exposure to geospatial systems, GPS, or mapping frameworks
• Background in UAV, robotics, or embedded systems
• Experience integrating sensors, cameras, or payload systems
• Familiarity with Jira or similar tools
• Experience with simulation or HIL testing

Benefits

• Competitive salary: $100,000 – $120,000
• Equity / Stock Options: Participation in the company’s stock option plan for long‑term growth alignment.
• Comprehensive medical and dental benefits, including a Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Matching RRSP program to support long‑term financial wellbeing.
• Generous time‑off program, including vacation, wellness days, and the full week off between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Professional development support to advance your technical skills and certifications.

Why Join Us

At Draganfly Innovations, you’ll join a collaborative team that values innovation, curiosity, and continuous improvement. We’re in an exciting growth phase, scaling our technologies, product lines, and teams as we continue to shape the future of UAV innovation. Joining us now means becoming part of a company with deep roots in the industry - and bold ambitions for what comes next.

You’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, work on diverse and cutting‑edge projects, and grow your skills alongside passionate experts. We offer competitive compensation, strong benefits, and a supportive environment where your contributions truly matter. Here, you won’t just join a company - you’ll help build what comes next.

As part of our hiring process, all candidates must successfully complete reference checks and a criminal background check.