Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Job Summary

You’ll be part of the development of the HyLighter , our next-generation airship designed for aerial inspections and environmental monitoring.

This position sits at the intersection of electronics, embedded programming, and hardware integration .

You will work on drone open-source software such as PX4 and QGroundControl (QGC) , contributing to both the flight systems onboard the HyLighter and the ground station that supports operations.

You’ll help shape the development strategy for our embedded systems in the air and on the ground and take part in enhancing our testing and operational infrastructure. That includes setting up and programming microcontroller-based systems for bench tests, operational trailers, and custom manufacturing machines.

Responsibilities:

Under the guidance of the CTO, you will:

• Develop and integrate new embedded systems into the HyLighter platform
• Enhance the robustness and reliability of existing avionics and electronic systems
• Participate in system architecture design and technical studies for future features
• Work at the crossroads of software and hardware development
• Multiple payload implementation and data capture automation
• Learn from and contribute to the engineering decisions behind our new developments: steerable drones, advanced testing facilities, and new onboard systems

Personal Note from Josef (CTO)

This is a truly cross-functional position that touches everything related to hardware development.

It will have a strong impact on HyLight’s evolution and reliability.

We’re looking for someone ready to take ownership early, drive improvements, and help push the HyLighter toward new performance milestones. If you love spending your days programming microcontrollers, improving electronics, designing PCBs, and exploring diverse technical challenges this is your spot.

The team is still small ( 25 people ), which means your contribution will matter immediately and visibly.

Profile Sought

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent specialization in Embedded Systems, Electronics, or Mechatronics .

The following skills are not all mandatory, if you don’t match everything but are motivated to grow, we want to meet you.

We see this role as a potential future technical leadership position at HyLight.

Technical Skills

Microcontrollers

• ESP32
• Atmega328
• Pixhawk
• STM32 (bonus)

Communication Protocols

• UART
• CAN
• I2C
• PWM
• SPI
• RS485

Other Boards

• Raspberry Pi or equivalent SBCs

Programming Languages

• C/C++
• Python

Electronics

• PCB design
• Power electronics
• System sizing
• Sensor integration

Tools & Software

• PX4
• QGroundControl
• Github
• Hardware debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, etc.)

Soft Skills

• Autonomous and hands-on in project execution
• Strong interest in UAVs, drones, or aerial robotics
• Curious, eager to learn, and passionate about building and experimenting
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team

Languages

• English & French (preferably)

Bonus:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset
• Proactive in proposing innovative hardware/software solutions
• Capable of estimating progress, meeting timelines, and anticipating challenges
• Prior personal or academic projects in robotics or UAVs (feel free to link them in your CV!)

What We Offer

• Annual compensation: €50,000 - €70,000 (based on experience)
• Real responsibility and direct impact on cutting-edge autonomous flight technology
• Mentorship with the Tech and Regulatory teams
• Potential to become a shareholder in HyLight
• 100% reimbursement of public transport pass ( Navigo ) or €800/year for sustainable commuting
• Bike provided for commuting
• Free lunch
• Bi-annual offsite trips with the whole team
• Excellent work environment: international team, team events, beautiful offices on a former airbase

Why You Should Join

Founder Mentality

We value extreme ownership and want people who think like founders - fast decision makers, natural problem solvers, and executers.

Ground Floor Opportunity

You’ll be helping to shape and grow a revolutionary company with the resources to back it.

Impact & Speed

Work in a fast-paced environment where your contributions will have immediate, tangible effects on the company’s success.

Interview Process

1. Introductory phone call ( 20-30 min )
2. Technical case study followed by a debrief with team member
3. Reference calls
4. On-site meeting with the team ( 3-4h )

Location

Office: Base 217, Brétigny-sur-Orge, accessible via RER C.

• Lab and Warehouse access

You’ll work side-by-side with experts in embedded, aerospace, and hydrogen propulsion systems -where your impact matters from day one.