Software · Vanguard · Glacis · Citadel
Senior Robotics Software Engineer
Write the onboard, simulation and integration software that lets Vaubren’s aircraft fly and report safely.
About Vaubren
Vaubren is a European defence technology company developing aircraft, command software, sensing and electronic warfare as one integrated system, with a person in command of every use of force. Our engineering team is based in Bulgaria, inside the European Union and NATO.
The role
You will write the software that lets Vaubren’s aircraft navigate, manage their own health and report what they see to Citadel, always under the control of an operator. The hard problem is real-time software that stays predictable on constrained hardware when links drop and sensors fail, and that is proven in simulation before it flies. You will work across onboard software, simulation and the links to Citadel.
Why this role
- You set the onboard software architecture while it is still being decided
- Your code runs on aircraft you can walk up to, and you see the result at the test
- Every system ends in Citadel, so your work connects aircraft, sensors and operators
What you will do
- Own onboard software for navigation, mission execution and system health on embedded computers
- Build the simulation and software-in-the-loop environment that every change passes before it flies
- Design behaviour for lost links, degraded sensors and other failures, so the aircraft always does something safe and predictable
- Integrate sensors, payloads and data links with Citadel through clear, versioned interfaces
- Build logging, telemetry and replay tools that turn every flight into usable data
- Set the bar for testing, code review and continuous integration in the onboard stack
- Join field tests and own the fixes that come out of them
What you bring
- Typically 6+ years writing C++ or Rust for robotics, aerospace or other real-time systems, plus Python
- Experience with state estimation, control, motion planning or mission management
- Comfort close to hardware: drivers, timing, middleware and embedded Linux
- Software you wrote running on a real robot, vehicle or aircraft
- Strong engineering habits: testing, code review, clear interfaces and documentation
If you meet most of these points but not all, we still encourage you to apply.
Nice to have
- ROS 2, PX4 or ArduPilot experience
- Simulation tools such as Gazebo, including sensor and environment models
- Safety-related software practice, such as DO-178C or IEC 61508
- A background in uncrewed aircraft or ground robots
Working at Vaubren
- A full-time role in Bulgaria, inside the European Union and NATO
- Work across the whole system, from design review to field test
- Small teams with real ownership of their work
- Relocation discussed with each candidate
- Responsibilities, compensation and start date agreed in writing
How we hire
- 01
Application
Apply for a role or send an open application. Every application is reviewed by the team that is hiring.
- 02
First conversation
A call about your experience, the role and what you are looking for.
- 03
Technical interviews
A discussion of your past work and a practical problem drawn from the role.
- 04
Meet the team
Meet the people you would work with, in person in Bulgaria where possible.
- 05
Offer
Responsibilities, compensation and start date, agreed in writing.
Security and eligibility
Some roles involve work that is subject to security vetting and export control. Where a role requires it, we explain the process early, and an offer may depend on eligibility for national security clearance. You do not need a clearance to apply.
Vaubren is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from everyone with the skills for the role, whatever their background. If you need an adjustment during the hiring process, tell us and we will make it.