About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Defense and Space Manufacturing.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Overview

We are supporting a confidential client in the Defense and Space Manufacturing industry that builds next-generation autonomous systems. The confidential client is hiring a C++ Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain real-time, performance-critical C++ components used across autonomous aircraft and ground control systems.

This role focuses on deterministic, low-latency software (control loops, sensor/datalink handling, telemetry/video services) that runs on embedded Linux targets and shared libraries used across multiple platforms and variants.

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What You’ll Do

• Develop modern C++ (C++17+) components for onboard and ground systems, including messaging, logging, and device interfaces.
• Maintain and evolve shared libraries reused across aircraft variants and ground systems.
• Profile and optimize CPU, memory, and latency on embedded Linux and cross-compiled targets.
• Write and maintain unit and integration tests; keep continuous integration coverage healthy.
• Participate in design sessions and code reviews; drive maintainability and performance best practices.
• Support system integration and flight test activities (lab and field/flight testing).

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Qualifications (Required)

• Must be located in the United States and within commuting distance of Rock Hill, SC.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline — or equivalent practical experience.
• Professional experience developing production software in modern C++ (C++17 or later).
• Experience building multithreaded, real-time, or latency-sensitive systems.
• Strong experience with Linux (embedded preferred), CMake, and debugging/profiling tools (perf, gdb, trace tools).
• Solid knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and software design principles.
• Experience using version control and participating in formal code review processes.
• U.S. Person status required (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) — this role involves access to ITAR- and EAR-controlled technical data.

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Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with embedded Linux, cross-compilation toolchains, or Yocto builds.
• Familiarity with messaging middleware such as DDS or ZeroMQ.
• Background in robotics, aerospace, or other real-time control systems.
• Experience using Python for tooling, test automation, and build/test scripts.
• Active or prior U.S. security clearance.

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Location & Eligibility

• Work location: Rock Hill, SC area — candidates should be able to commute for on-site work, integration, and flight test activities.
• This position requires U.S. Person eligibility due to export-controlled data access (ITAR/EAR).
• The confidential client and Careertakes are committed to reasonable accommodations in hiring and employment consistent with applicable US laws.

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Why Join

• Work on core software that enables autonomy in high-consequence systems.
• Tackle real performance and reliability challenges on embedded platforms.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams across software, hardware, and flight operations.
• Opportunity to contribute to mission-critical systems in a high-impact industry.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.