Head of Software R&D

Location: “Kalniņi”, Mārupe

Type: Full-Time

At Origin Robotics, we build software-first autonomous aerial systems for national defense. Our UAS platforms are deployed with NATO allies and frontline partners, supporting real-world operations that protect lives and secure critical missions. As a growing defense technology company, we’re looking for a technically elite and mission-aligned R&D Software Lead to take full ownership of our core software systems.

This is a high-impact role for an experienced engineer who combines technical mastery with a clear sense of responsibility and purpose. Working under the CTO and reporting directly to the CEO, you’ll lead software execution across embedded systems, autonomy, and control—while collaborating with our R&D Hardware Lead, Electronics Department, and senior leadership.

The Impact You’ll Make

You’ll lead the development of next-generation UAS software—spanning avionics, autonomy, communications, and flight control. From concept to deployment, you’ll plan, architect, and deliver reliable, real-time systems built for the operational edge.

In close collaboration with hardware and electronics teams, you’ll ensure system-wide cohesion and performance. As a core member of the senior management team, you’ll connect engineering strategy to product outcomes, while upholding the precision and discipline expected in defense.

This role demands the right mindset: integrity, accountability, discretion, and the ability to lead in a mission-critical, high-consequence environment.

How You’ll Contribute

  • Leadership & Project Control

  • Lead software development lifecycles from concept to deployment—covering embedded, desktop, flight, and AI/autonomy systems.

  • Own technical architecture, systems designs, quality control, execution plans and milestone tracking. Ensure modular, robust, and secure system design that meets defense-grade standards.

  • Take full responsibility for software delivery across teams and domains.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner closely with the R&D Hardware Lead and Electronics Department on system design, integration, and testing.

  • Align embedded software with sensors, payloads, communications systems, and avionics.

  • Apply structured engineering practices to drive seamless end-to-end integration.

Real-World Testing & Autonomy

  • Direct bench, HIL (hardware-in-the-loop), and field-testing of full UAS platforms.

  • Support degraded environment operations (GPS loss, jamming, low comms).

  • Lead integration of autonomy stacks, path planning, and ML-based perception.

Strategic Influence

  • Report to CTO and CEO, contributing to company-wide R&D decisions.

  • Convert long-term vision into software development plans and resourcing.

  • Guide hiring and technical scaling efforts as part of the senior leadership team.

Your Strengths

  • Demonstrated experience in software development and leading technical teams

  • Background in UAS, robotics, or embedded autonomy platforms.

  • Skills in C++, Python, and embedded Linux or RTOS environments.

  • Knowledge of real-time systems, control theory, and sensor integration.

  • Familiarity with PX4, ROS2, MAVLink, and structured flight control architectures.

  • Hands-on experience working across software, hardware, and electronics domains.

  • Fluent in English.

  • Strong sense of integrity, confidentiality, and alignment with defense-sector responsibility.

Why Join Origin Robotics?

  • Mission-first focus: What you build supports frontline personnel and national defense.

  • Real systems, real impact: Your software is fielded in live, high-consequence environments.

  • Leadership & autonomy: Shape technology, lead execution, and influence R&D strategy.

  • Cross-functional excellence: Collaborate with top-tier hardware and electronics engineers.

  • Built to deliver: You don’t just ship features, you build reliable, mission-ready systems.

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