Principal Software Engineer - Simulation and Autonomy Development

About the Role

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer for Simulation and Autonomy Development to join a rapidly growing defense autonomy start-up based in Oslo, Norway. This is an exciting opportunity to work on mission-critical software that empowers UAVs to collaborate and execute missions effectively. As a Principal Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in defining the simulation architecture and driving the technical direction of the project. This role requires on-site presence in Oslo, and we offer a relocation package and visa sponsorship for the right candidate.

What You'll Do

• Take end-to-end ownership of the simulation domain, defining the architecture and selecting third-party components such as Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or similar.
• Deliver a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) simulator capable of running autonomy missions within six months.
• Build realistic simulations of mission behavior and environmental dynamics, including wind and snow conditions.
• Create a developer-friendly simulator stack that is containerized and supports repeatable testing in CI/regression.
• Integrate hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) capabilities as part of the roadmap.
• Help grow a small simulation team around you over time.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in simulation, autonomy, robotics, automotive, aerospace, or defense software.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals with a proven track record of delivering complex systems end-to-end.
• Practical experience with simulation platforms and a clear understanding of trade-offs in simulation fidelity.
• Proficiency in Python and experience with CI integration and Docker/containerized environments.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to create clarity in ambiguous situations.
• Fluency in English is required.

Nice to Have

• Experience with SIL/HIL or HITL systems.
• Background in building simulator environments from scratch.
• Interest in transitioning into a team lead role as the function grows.

What We Offer

• A chance to work on mission-critical autonomy software at scale.
• Ownership of the simulation approach and the opportunity to build something engineers rely on daily.
• Fast feedback loops with real users and systems.
• A strong growth trajectory with the chance to shape a team and capability from day one.
• Relocation support and visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.

If you are ready to relocate to Oslo and want to build the foundation for real-world autonomy, please reach out for a confidential conversation.