Senior Software Engineer - UAV Ground Control Station (GCS)

ABOUT EDGE

At EDGE bold ideas are engineered into technologies that protect, improve and save lives.

Headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, EDGE is a leading advanced technology group working at the forefront of defence and emerging technologies. Spanning more than 35 specialised companies and multiple centres of excellence, we are purpose-built to move fast. Free from heavy legacy processes, we give our people the autonomy, accountability, and agility to bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

Based in Abu Dhabi, a globally connected hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, EDGE is home to a truly multicultural community where bold ideas thrive, and the future is shaped.

Together, we are shaping the future.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Senior Software Engineer - UAV Ground Control Station (GCS) will be responsible for developing, integrating, and verifying mission-critical software supporting UAV command and control, mission planning, telemetry, vehicle monitoring, and payload operations. The role combinesC/C++ software development, real-time and embedded systems, HMI, communication interfaces, and UAV system integration, with exposure to flight-control systems, HIL testing, and operational environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, integrate, test, and maintain UAV GCS software using C/C++.
• Develop HMI/UI applications for mission planning, vehicle control, telemetry, payload management, and flight monitoring.
• Integrate GCS software with autopilots, flight-control systems, sensors, avionics, payloads, and communication systems.
• Develop and maintain communication interfaces including TCP/IP, UDP, CAN, Ethernet, RF/SATCOM, and UAV datalinks.
• Develop real-time processing for telemetry, video, vehicle health, and mission data.
• Work with RTOS, embedded platforms, simulation, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments.
• Develop automated unit, integration, and system tests and support verification activities.
• Troubleshoot software, hardware/software integration, and system-level issues.
• Support field testing and UAV flight-test activities.
• Contribute to software architecture, requirements traceability, technical reviews, and cybersecurity.
• Support compliance with applicable aerospace and defense standards, including DO-178C and STANAG 4586.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer/Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 7-10+ years of relevant software engineering experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with C/C++.
• Experience in real-time, embedded, or mission-critical software development.
• Experience with RTOS, Linux and/or Windows development environments.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, object-oriented design, multithreading, and distributed systems.
• Experience with hardware/software integration and communication interfaces such as CAN, Ethernet, TCP/IP, UDP, or serial communications.
• Experience with software testing, integration, and verification.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience developing UAV Ground Control Station (GCS), UAS, command-and-control, or mission-critical control software.
• Experience integrating software with flight-control systems, autopilots, navigation systems, sensors, and payloads.
• Experience with HIL/simulation, automated testing, and flight-test support.
• Experience with FreeRTOS, VxWorks, or QNX, and ARM/STM32 platforms.
• Experience with UAV datalinks, RF/SATCOM, telemetry, and real-time communication systems.
• Experience with DO-178C or other safety-critical software development standards.
• Familiarity with STANAG 4586 / NATO interoperability standards.
• Experience developing HMI/UI for mission-critical or operator-focused applications.
• Aerospace, UAV, defense, robotics, or other mission-critical systems experience.

WHY CHOOSE EDGE

Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive.

At EDGE, the real investment goes beyond compensation. Through our dedicated learning academy and digital learning platforms, employees have access to extensive opportunities to develop new skills, deepen their expertise, and advance their careers. Combined with the freedom to innovate, strong career support, and the opportunity to collaborate with world-class talent from across the globe, EDGE is a place where you can continue to grow, keep learning, and turn ambitious ideas into meaningful outcomes.

Working at EDGE also comes with a package that genuinely reflects how much we value our people. Salaries are highly competitive and tax-free and, depending on your role and seniority, benefits can include family visas, annual flight tickets, medical insurance for you and your dependents, and education allowances for your children.

CANDIDATE PRIVACY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

If you feel your skills, experience and potential are a strong match for a role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement. We are genuinely interested in what you can bring to EDGE.

Any information you share as part of your EDGE candidate profile or job application will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection and privacy regulations.

EDGE is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing workforce. We believe every individual deserves to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, and our employment decisions reflect that. We do not discriminate based on race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

As a global organisation, effective collaboration across international teams is central to how we work, so English proficiency is required for all roles unless otherwise stated in the job posting.

Please note that EDGE does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Any resumes in the absence of a formally executed agreement in place will be deemed the property of EDGE, and no placement fees or compensation will be payable in respect of such submissions.