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Reliable Robotics

Autonomous aircraft automation for cargo

Flight Software Engineer

Full-Time
$155k - $215k/yr
Junior
Bachelor's
Mountain View, CA, USA
In Person
Software EngineeringEmbedded Engineering

About the job

Requirements
  • A B.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • At least 2 years of professional programming experience in C or C++.
  • Professional experience developing software for high-performance embedded or safety-critical applications.
  • Access to information subject to U.S. export controls requires the ability to perform in compliance with U.S. export control laws; applicants must document U.S.-person or non-U.S.-person status and nationalities where applicable, and access may require U.S. government authorization.
Responsibilities
  • Develop highly deterministic C++ software in a bare-metal environment that works with sensors and control systems, robustly handles system faults, and integrates with other vehicle subsystems.
  • Drive requirements and implement unit tests.
  • Work directly with flight hardware in the lab and on the plane.
  • Plan flight testing.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience using advanced C++ language features in production code.
  • A thorough understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, and networking.
  • Experience developing software for aerospace applications.

About the company

Reliable Robotics builds automation systems for airplanes to enable autonomous flight. They focus on both cargo and passenger aircraft (Part 23 small planes and Part 25 larger jets) and work with customers by selling or licensing their systems and providing maintenance and support. Their technology integrates into aircraft to enable gate-to-gate autonomous operations, using a certification-forward process that emphasizes meeting regulatory safety standards early in development. This makes their systems safer and more reliable from the start and helps them gain regulatory approval faster. The company differentiates itself through a proven track record of fully automated gate-to-gate operations on a Part 23 aircraft and by combining aerospace engineering with robotics know-how to align with aviation rules. The goal is to make air travel safer, more affordable, and more accessible, while transforming how goods and people are moved around the world.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Series D

Total Funding

$445.6M

Headquarters

Mountain View, California

Founded

2017

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Reliable raised $160 million in April 2026, nearing a $1 billion valuation.
  • Albuquerque eIPP flights begin in 2026, targeting first paid autonomous cargo routes.
  • The Air Force awarded $17.4 million for Indo-Pacific logistics demonstrations, expanding validation.

What critics are saying

  • FAA certification still hinges on compliance evidence; missing flight data pushes commercialization toward 2028.
  • Albuquerque launch depends on Reliable Airlines execution; route delays postpone the first revenue flights.
  • If one uncrewed Caravan mishaps, regulators freeze Part 135 operations and the certification thesis collapses.

What makes Reliable Robotics unique

  • FAA has accepted Reliable’s certification plans, means of compliance, and closed issue papers in 2026.
  • Reliable’s Cessna 208 Caravan uses certified airframes, shrinking certification scope versus purpose-built aircraft.
  • Dual-use autonomy across FAA and Air Force programs creates shared flight data and credibility.

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Benefits

  • Stock options
  • Employee medical
  • 401k contribution
  • Great co-workers
  • Casual work environment

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

3%

1 year growth

-1%

2 year growth

-3%
The Pilot News
Oct 20th, 2026
Reliable Robotics adds $115M to Series D, topping $1B valuation

Reliable Robotics has raised $115 million in new capital, upsizing its previously announced $160 million Series D round because of strong investor demand. The round, which includes a $25 million term loan from Silicon Valley Bank, lifts the autonomous aircraft systems company's valuation above $1 billion. The Series D now totals $275 million, and the company has raised more than $380 million in equity to date. Nimble Partners, a returning investor, led the round. New backers include Gideon Capital, RockCreek, Geek Ventures, Gold Hill Capital, and Sparkwave Capital. Reliable will use the money to expand its aircraft fleet and production facilities and to grow its engineering team. It is opening offices in Seattle and San Diego, and now has more than 250 employees.

Global Legal Post
Oct 13th, 2026
Reliable Robotics hires former ServiceNow GC as legal head.

Reliable Robotics hires former ServiceNow GC as legal head. Russ Elmer will build out the autonomous aircraft systems developer's legal function 13 October 2026 Russ Elmer Autonomous aviation business Reliable Robotics has hired Russ Elmer as its general counsel, a newly created position. Elmer joins from US artificial intelligence and cloud computing business ServiceNow, where he was GC before transitioning to a special counsel role earlier this year. At Reliable Robotics he will build the company's legal and regulatory infrastructure and capabilities, and provide strategic guidance to support its growth. He brings more than three decades of experience to the role. Mountain View, California-based Reliable Robotics develops autonomous aircraft systems for the commercial and defence aviation sectors. Advertisement Robert Rose, CEO and co-founder of Reliable Robotics, said: "Russ has a noteworthy track record with companies that have become commonplace in our daily lives. At Reliable, our goal is to make aviation more accessible to more people through autonomy. I'm excited to welcome Russ to the team as we certify and commercialise the technology that will make this vision a reality." Elmer spent just under eight years at ServiceNow, having previously been GC at peer-to-peer lending platform Lending Club. He had earlier in-house spells at Paypal and eBay, both as deputy GC. Elmer said: "I am inspired by Reliable's mission of making flight safer and more accessible. I have always been drawn to technology that makes everyday life better, and Reliable's cutting-edge flight control system is poised to do just that. I am thrilled to join the team to help translate our autonomous aviation technology into certified flights and to continue our culture of changing the world - the right way." LAW OVER BORDERS COMPARATIVE GUIDES Mediation Law Guide This first edition of the Law Over Borders Comparative Guide to Mediation considers the development of mediation and its role in the international disputes market, with contributions and insights from leading private practice dispute resolution lawyers and General Counsel... | 1yr. In other autonomous tech-related moves, back in April, subsea robotics business Nauticus Robotics hired Michael Ferrier as GC from energy company Berry Corporation, where he was assistant GC advising on commercial transactions, regulatory compliance and labour and employment matters. He replaced John Symington in the role. And in June last year, robot chef-maker Circus Group - which makes autonomous meal supply systems for the military - hired Sasha Borovik as GC from defence tech company Helsing.

Business Wire
Oct 9th, 2026
Reliable Robotics appoints Russ Elmer as general counsel to drive autonomous aircraft growth

Reliable Robotics, a company developing autonomous aircraft systems, has appointed Russ Elmer as general counsel. Elmer brings over 30 years of experience in regulated markets, having previously led legal functions at ServiceNow, Lending Club, PayPal, eBay, and E*TRADE Financial. In his new role, Elmer will build the legal infrastructure to support Reliable's expansion into commercial and defence markets. He will also guide the company through Federal Aviation Administration certification and commercialisation processes. The Mountain View, California-based company is developing automation technology designed to work on any aircraft in any airspace. Chief executive Robert Rose said Elmer's track record with prominent technology companies will help Reliable certify and commercialise its autonomous aviation technology.

MISRYOUM
Jun 12th, 2026
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SpaceX alumni - SpaceX finally went public on Friday, a milestone that could make Elon Musk even richer and turn employees and early investors into Stay updated with the latest global news from MISRYOUM.

Business Wire
Apr 29th, 2026
Reliable Robotics advances safety-critical datalinks for uncrewed aircraft systems

Reliable Robotics has announced progress in advancing its safety-critical datalinks for uncrewed aircraft systems, known as the C2 Link System, through industry collaboration and flight testing. The system enables remotely piloted aircraft to integrate into the National Airspace System without requiring additional airport infrastructure. The Mountain View-based company's automated Cessna C208B will operate under Instrument Flight Rules across all airspace classes. The C2 Link System provides connectivity between aircraft and remote pilots, shared traffic awareness, and Air Traffic Control communications whilst complying with FAA standards. Reliable has partnered with Iridium and Viasat for satellite communications and uAvionix for air-to-ground datalinks. The company is contributing to RTCA working groups developing consensus standards and working with the FAA to demonstrate system integration, including recent testing through a NASA contract.