About Job

Software Engineer – Robotics

Full-Time
Chicago (Schaumburg), IL
Open
9/3/26
Close
9/24/2026
Salary

About WingXpand

WingXpand is Expanding What’s Possible™ with Autonomous Systems, building long-endurance, backpackable smart plane drones and robotics systems that support defense, public safety, disaster response, and commercial missions. Our platforms operate across air, ground, and maritime domains, integrating autonomy, AI-powered sensing, edge computing, and networked systems to deliver real-world intelligence and threat detection. We design, build, and deploy complete systems — hardware, software, and data — and we move fast. As WingXpand scales, we are seeking high performers to grow with our team.

Job Description

As a Software Engineer, you'll be at the forefront of developing, integrating, and deploying advanced software for our autonomous drone systems. Your work will range from integrating third-party sensors to designing cutting-edge vehicle detection algorithms. This is a hands-on role that involves working directly with hardware and performing real-world testing. You'll have the opportunity to see your ideas take flight, driving rapid and iterative development from concept to production. In our startup environment, your contributions will make a substantial impact, shaping the future of our technology and accelerating your growth. Join us in creating something truly groundbreaking, where every line of code and every algorithm brings us closer to our vision. We’re a rapidly growing, Techstars backed, startup that is creating the future of aerial intelligence, anywhere, at any time. We want you to play a key role in our journey!

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k); unlimited PTO

Key Responsibilities

  1. Integrate third-party sensors and systems into our autonomous drone platform
  2. Develop and enhance APIs for commanding and controlling autonomous drone systems
  3. Design and implement front-end and back-end software for WingXpand's Ground Control Software
  4. Support lab and field testing to validate system reliability and performance across diverse conditions

Qualifications

  1. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related field
  2. 3+ years of professional software engineering experience with C++ in a Linux development environment.
  3. Experience testing, evaluating, and troubleshooting robotic systems.
  4. Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and established codebases.
  5. Proven experience designing and implementing modular, scalable software solutions.

Additional Qualifications

  1. Master’s in a relevant field
  2. Experience developing software or hardware for flight systems and safety-critical functionality.
  3. Background in programming for embedded computing systems such as Nvidia Jetson or VOXL
  4. Experience with distributed communication networks and messaging standards.
  5. Experience using containerization technologies like Docker
  6. Prior experience flying or working on drone systems.

What Else You Need to Know

To conform to U.S. Government aerospace technology export regulations,
applicant must be a 'U.S. Person' (U.S. Citizen or a Permanent Resident/Green Card Holder).

Eligibility and Export Control

This role requires access to technology controlled under U.S. export regulations. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person as defined at 22 CFR 120.62, which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, and persons granted asylum or refugee status.‍

Equal Opportunity

WingXpand is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
 
WingXpand is a federal contractor. Qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application or interview process, contact team@wingxpand.com and we'll arrange it.