Senior UAS Software Architect – Command & Control

Most software is built for users sitting at a desk. At Thunderstrike Aviation, the software you build is used to operate advanced UAV platforms in the field – where reliability, safety, and real-time performance are not nice-to-haves. They are the requirement.

Thunderstrike Aviation is a fast-growing UAV technology company based in Odense, Denmark. We design and manufacture advanced unmanned aircraft systems for defense, border security, and commercial clients across Europe. We operate with a startup drive and a craft-first culture – turning bold ideas into field-ready capability, fast. As we scale toward full rate production and international deployment, safety, compliance, and engineering integrity are not trade-offs. They are the foundation everything is built on.

The Role

This is a senior, high-ownership role at the intersection of software architecture, systems integration, and operational capability. You will design and build the software systems used to plan, control, monitor, and operate our UAV platforms – and help define the technical direction for how these systems should evolve.

You will work closely with flight controls, payload, communications, and platform engineers – translating complex system requirements into software that works reliably in the field.

We are looking for someone who writes production code and thinks in system architecture – not one or the other. We move fast and we learn faster – this is an environment where challenging assumptions and raising concerns early are strengths, and where the best idea wins regardless of where it comes from.

What You’ll Do

• Design and build command and control software for UAV platforms – operator interfaces, mission planning, and real-time monitoring
• Develop backend services, APIs, and data management solutions supporting UAV operations
• Integrate software with autopilot, payload, and communications systems
• Build telemetry, alerting, and situational awareness capabilities
• Define software architecture and set the technical direction for the C2 software stack
• Establish best practices for scalable, maintainable, and certifiable mission software
• Work across software, hardware, payloads, and communications teams throughout the full product lifecycle

What We’re Looking For

You likely have a background in one or more of the following domains:

• UAV or UAS-systems
• Robotics or autonomous systems
• Ground control or satellite ground segment systems
• Defense or aerospace software
• Mission-critical or industrial automation platforms

Technical experience in several of the following:

• Python, C++, C#, or similar languages
• Backend systems and API development
• Distributed systems and microservices
• Docker and containerized applications
• Real-time monitoring, control, and telemetry systems
• System architecture and software design patterns
• Databases and data-intensive systems

What matters most:

• You take ownership of technical problems end to end – from architecture to delivery
• You think in systems, not just components
• You’re comfortable building from scratch in a fast-moving environment
• You communicate technical constraints clearly across disciplines
• Able to communicate effectively across cultures and time zones – we are a genuinely international team

Why Thunderstrike Aviation

• Software that operates in the real world

The systems you build will be used to operate UAV platforms in active defense and security deployments across Europe. Based in Odense, Europe’s leading hub for robotics and drone innovation.

• Ownership from day one

You will have significant influence over architecture and product direction – this is not a maintenance role.Close collaboration with flight controls, avionics, payload, and communications teams across the business.

• International Environment

A truly international team spanning multiple nationalities – bringing diverse perspectives to everything we build.

• Scale-up momentum

We are growing fast – already 50+ people in 2026, scaling toward 100+ by end of 2027. Join early and help shape what we become.

How to Apply

This position is being filled in collaboration with Sourcing IT. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible via the link below.

Mission Software Architect | Thunderstrike Aviation | LinkedIn