Staff Software Engineer, AQNav

About SandboxAQSandboxAQ is a high-growth company delivering AI solutions that address some of the world's greatest challenges. The company’s Large Quantitative Models (LQMs) power advances in life sciences, financial services, navigation, cybersecurity, and other sectors.We are a global team that is tech-focused and includes experts in AI, chemistry, cybersecurity, physics, mathematics, medicine, engineering, and other specialties. The company emerged from Alphabet Inc. as an independent, growth capital-backed company in 2022, funded by leading investors and supported by a braintrust of industry leaders.At SandboxAQ, we’ve cultivated an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and impact. By investing deeply in our people, we’re building a thriving, global workforce poised to tackle the world's epic challenges. Join us to advance your career in pursuit of an inspiring mission, in a community of like-minded people who value entrepreneurialism, ownership, and transformative impact.The OpportunitySandbox AQ’s AI/Quantum Navigation (“AQNav”) team is looking for a highly-accomplished Staff Software Engineer to assist with design, implementation, and testing of robust, avionics certifiable, production-grade software for the AQNav system. A successful candidate must be comfortable owning the end-to-end lifecycle of both internal and external-facing software systems and applications and have significant industry experience bringing products through all lifecycle phases from conception to production, deployment, and maintenance.We’re looking for an FAA subject matter expert to help bring our tech to life. Working alongside a diverse group of physicists and ML researchers, you’ll play a pivotal role in streamlining the path from development to flight, ensuring our innovations meet the highest industry standards efficiently.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, implement, and test complex software systems for a world-class AI/quantum-based magnetic navigation system (“AQNav”). Work may include tasks such as development/maintenance of internal tooling and libraries, integrating the AQNav system with external avionics systems (A429, 1553, ethernet, CAN, etc.), and automating and streamlining routine complex processes.Software architectural decisions in porting from Python to C++ to allow modular building of software components in .dll, .bin, or, .so. Driving ported software to completion for certification (e.g. Requirements, ICDs, diagrams, tests, review artifacts, etc.).Expand existing C++ software for military compliance and commercial certification.Work with software leads on methodology for streamlining development practices with use of COTS, homegrown, or AI-assisted tools, for Software FAA certification (DO-178C) and Military compliance (MIL-HDBK-516C).Uphold quality and efficiency standards for the team. Advocate and implement aerospace industry best practices for standard software development.Essential Skills & ExperienceU.S. Citizenship is required due to US government contract requirements.BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or equivalent field of study.Willing and able to travel both within the continental US and internationally as required (less than 20% of the time) to support team collaboration meetings, development and testing initiatives, and attend customer product demonstrations.10+ years of industry experience in software developmentAbility to work closely with other developers and cross-functional team members. Strong collaboration skills and ability to adapt in rapid decision making and changing environments.Experience working on certified avionics software systems (e.g. DO-178C); a successful candidate will leverage this experience to work with the AQNav team on utilizing best practices to ensure successful software certification.Strong expertise in C/C++ and Python. Experience with other languages (C#, Rust, HTML/CSS, Bash scripting, etc.) preferred.Successful history of bringing software from initial conception through to architecture, development, testing, release into production, and maintenance.Proficiency in software development methodologies and best practices (e.g., Iterative agile practices, CI/CD, requirement/test-driven development) in an aerospace environment.Can diagram and specify requirements at system, subsystem, and software component levels to aid in the finalization of design decisions; this includes responsibility for design documentation such as software architecture, software specification documents, and testing plans.Strong Linux fundamentals (bash scripting, operating system configuration, network understanding) and familiarity with common developer and devops tools such as Git, Github, VS Code, and the Atlassian suite tools Jira and Confluence.Highly Desired Skills & ExperienceMS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or equivalent experienceEquivalent experience includes tech leadership in complex software development, software modularity, driving technical design, and executing cross-functionally across multiple teams.Experience working with one or more Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as SafeRTOS, RT Linux, GreenHills Integrity, RedHawk, and/or VxWorks.Knowledge and experience with software containerization.Knowledge of aerospace applications, environments, and tool qualification plans (DO-330).Experience working with and/or creating AI-assisted tools for software development, documentation creation, or document review.Experience with software development and interfaces on the cloud (e.g GCP, AWS).Why Join Us?We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and life outside of work.Compensation: Competitive base salary, performance-based incentives or bonuses (where applicable), and equity participation.Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents with generous employer premium contributions, retirement savings with company matching, paid parental leave, and inclusive family-building benefits.Work-Life Balance: Flexible paid time off, company-wide seasonal breaks, and support for flexible work arrangements that enable sustainable performance.Career Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and growth through on-the-job development, cross-functional collaboration, and access to internal learning and development programs.SandboxAQ Welcomes AllWe are committed to fostering a culture of belonging and respect, where diverse perspectives are actively sought and valued. Our multidisciplinary environment provides ample opportunity for continuous growth - working alongside humble, empowered, and ambitious colleagues ready to tackle epic challenges.Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.Accommodations: We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in job application procedures for open roles. If you need such an accommodation, please let a member of our Recruiting team know.Read: Guidance for candidates on using AI Tools in interviews