Role Objective
We are looking for a Junior UAV Systems Engineer to support the end-to-end development, integration, and testing of advanced unmanned aerial systems. This is a cross-disciplinary role that bridges the gap between hardware, firmware, GNC, and AI/perception teams.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver who can navigate the complexities of long-range autonomous platforms, contributing to system integration, rigorous flight testing, and performance evaluation in both lab and field environments.
Key Responsibilities
- System Integration: Assist in the end-to-end integration of the UAV stack, including flight controllers (PX4/ArduPilot), companion computers, high-bandwidth datalinks, and specialized payloads.
- Flight Test Operations: Support flight testing for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) profiles, including pre-flight hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) validation, mission execution, and post-flight data recovery.
- Log Analysis & Diagnostics: Analyze flight logs (ULog/Bin) to identify vibration issues, estimator resets, or control anomalies. Use data-driven insights to assist GNC engineers in PID and EKF tuning.
- Sensor Validation: Integrate and calibrate a variety of sensors (High-grade IMUs, GNSS, Air Data Probes, and Optical Seekers). Ensure proper coordinate frame alignment (NED/Body/ECEF).
- Field Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve hardware/software integration issues, including EMI/EMC interference, power distribution failures, and MAVLink communication dropouts.
- Documentation & SOPs: Develop and maintain technical documentation, including assembly guides, wiring diagrams, test plans, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for field deployment.
- Simulation Support: Maintain SITL (Software-in-the-Loop) environments to validate mission logic and fail-safe triggers before actual flight.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Experience: 13 years of hands-on experience (high-quality internships or student competition teams like SAE Aero or DBF are acceptable).
- Education: Bachelor's degree in aerospace, Robotics, Mechatronics, or Electronics Engineering.
- Flight Stack Knowledge: Familiarity with the PX4 or ArduPilot ecosystems and ground control software (QGroundControl/Mission Planner).
- Technical Skills: Basic proficiency in C++ or Python for scripting and data analysis. Understanding of Linux/Ubuntu environments.
- Engineering Fundamentals: Strong grasp of flight dynamics, control system basics (PID), and basic electronics (multimeters, oscilloscopes).
- Problem Solving: Ability to read logs and debug system-level issues under pressure in field environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hardware Skills: Experience with PCB assembly, soldering, and wire harness fabrication for high-reliability systems.
- Middleware: Exposure to ROS 2 and DDS-based communication layers.
- RF & Comms: Basic understanding of telemetry systems, radio frequency (RF) link budgets, and SATCOM integration.
- Navigation: Familiarity with GPS-denied navigation concepts or visual positioning system integration.
- UAV Types: Experience with fixed-wing or VTOL platforms, specifically for long-endurance missions.
Key Competencies
- Strong practical and troubleshooting mindset
- Ability to work across hardware and software boundaries
- Attention to detail, especially during testing and validation
- Willingness to work in field environments and test ranges
- Good documentation and communication skills
Deliverables & Expectations
- Reliable support for UAV integration and flight testing
- Clear and structured test reports and log analysis
- Rapid identification and resolution of system issues
- Contribution to improving system reliability and performance
Personal Attributes
- Self-starter with a keen sense of initiative and ownership
- Collaborative team player who enjoys working in a dynamic environment
- Detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Passion for drones and unmanned aerial technology
Working Conditions
- This is a full-time position based in Bengaluru that may require occasional evening or weekend work
- May require travel to customer sites or other company locations
Salary And Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
- Health insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
