About Us
Forward Robotics Inc. is a fast-growing startup. We design and build heavy-lift, long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for a variety of real-world applications. Our team moves quickly, values ownership, and thrives in an environment where smart people take ideas from concept to flight.
If you enjoy working across software and hardware, making pragmatic trade-offs, and seeing your designs operate in the real world, you’ll fit right in.
The Role
As a Flight Control Software Developer, you will design, develop, and maintain the core flight control and guidance systems that power our UAV platforms. You will work closely with avionics, autonomy, and mechanical teams to integrate software into flight-ready systems and support real-world testing.
This is a hands-on, high-impact role with direct ownership of critical flight subsystems and the opportunity to contribute to system-level decisions.
What You’ll Do
· Develop and maintain advanced drone guidance and navigation systems
· Design and implement collision avoidance systems
· Maintain and enhance core flight control software
· Develop new features for guidance systems
· Implement scientific payload interfaces into UAVs architecture
· Build and maintain fleet management control software
· Collaborate on avionics firmware deployment
· Support integration between flight software and ground control systems
· Participate in flight testing and field validation activities
· Work with cross-functional teams to define system-level requirements
What We’re Looking For
· Professional experience in software development, robotics, and machine learning
· Hands-on experience in control, optimization, and AI for autonomous systems and real-world robotics
· Skills in machine learning and related tools applied to a wide range of applications
· Experience with linear control systems
· Strong understanding of drone flight dynamics
· Experience in image processing, trajectory optimization, and high-precision motion control
· Ability to take ownership of a subsystem from concept through execution
· Ability to work effectively within a team developing interdependent subsystems
· Strong collaboration skills to help define overall system requirements
Nice to Have
· Experience with advanced control schemes
· Experience working with LiDARs
· Experience with vision-based control and navigation systems
· Experience developing safety-critical or mission-critical systems
· Experience with bare-metal development
· Understanding of real-time operating systems (RTOS) and control system timing
· Drone piloting experience
Personal Attributes
· Strong ability to collaborate and work effectively with other engineers
· Methodical and analytical approach to problem-solving
· High attention to detail, including consideration of edge cases
· Ability to independently identify and implement solutions in a small team environment
· Willingness to participate in field work and flight testing activities
· Strong interest in aviation and aerospace
Why You’ll Love It Here
· High ownership, low bureaucracy
· Your work literally flies
· Small, driven team with strong technical depth
· Ability to influence architecture, process, and product direction
· Base salary range: $90,000–$125,000 CAD
· Meaningful equity participation tied to personal performance and company growth
Notes
· Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada
· Sponsorship is not available
· Must live within commuting distance of Cambridge, ON, or be willing to relocate prior to starting
· No relocation assistance provided
· Applications without relevant industrial experience will not be considered
· Work Location: In person
Pay: $90,000.00-$125,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
