Job Description

Job Area:

Autonomy, Innovation, and Research > Robotics

Domain:

Flight Control Systems, Embedded Systems

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Engineer with expertise in flight control systems, autonomy, and UAV software architecture. The role involves leading the architecture, development, and scaling of next-generation autonomous aerial systems for defence, industrial, and commercial applications, with a focus on high-performance, reliable, and safety-critical UAV operations.

This role requires strong proficiency in low-level flight firmware (ArduPilot and/or PX4), embedded systems, and high-performance onboard autonomy, along with a proven ability to lead sensor fusion, state estimation, navigation, and control systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the end-to-end architecture, development, and deployment of autonomy and flight-control systems leveraging ArduPilot, PX4, and MAVLink-based frameworks. Own core modules of the flight stack, including state estimation, navigation, mission planning, and flight modes - from concept to production. Design, implement, and optimize advanced autonomy capabilities such as: Robust sensor fusion (EKF/UKF/MSCKF) Advanced control (LQR, MPC, Sliding mode & geometric control) Flight mode customization and mission behaviours Extend PX4/ArduPilot flight stacks to support custom platforms, payloads, and operating scenarios. Develop custom PX4/ArduPilot drivers, modules, and MAVLink messages. Lead firmware integration efforts across embedded systems, SBCs, and compute payloads. Oversee multi-sensor integration (IMU, rangefinder, GPS, barometer, radar). Lead Software-in-the-Loop (SITL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), and system-level simulation efforts. Plan and execute structured flight tests, validation experiments, and performance tuning. Work closely with AI/ML, CV, hardware, and systems engineering teams to deliver integrated UAV solutions. Architect reliable communication pipelines between UAV, onboard compute, and GCS, and establish best practices for UAV software development, real-time performance, and firmware - middleware interoperability.

Basic Requirements:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Robotics, or Aerospace engineering.

2+ years (Master's) or 4+ years (Bachelor's)

of hands-on industry experience or research experience in UAVs. Deep expertise in

PX4/ArduPilot

architecture, modules, flight modes, sensor drivers, and MAVLink. Experience in Mission Planner or QGC. Strong foundations in: Linear Algebra, Probability, Optimization Dynamics (linear and nonlinear) & Control (PID, LQR, MPC, Stability) State estimation (EKF/UKF), parameter estimation Real-time systems & multi-threaded programming Proficiency in

C++, Python

, and robotics middleware (ROS/ROS2). Hands-on experience integrating

IMUs, GPS, rangefinders, barometers

, and other UAV sensors. Experience with simulation tools:

Gazebo, RViz

. Familiarity with embedded platforms (Pixhawk, Jetson). Strong debugging, log analysis, and performance optimization skills.

Preferred Skills:

Experience contributing to open-source PX4 or ArduPilot repositories. Expertise in INS, object detection, collision avoidance, visual-inertial odometry, and optical flow. Experience with

swarm robotics, collaborative autonomy

, or multi-agent systems. Flight testing experience, including tuning of PID/MPC parameters and custom flight modes. Knowledge of

secure communication, anti-jamming, anti-spoofing

, and UAV cybersecurity. Familiarity with defence-grade safety, reliability, and regulatory frameworks (FAA/EASA, DO-178C, DO-254). Understanding of

EW countermeasures

, GNSS-denied navigation, and resilient autonomy.

Working Hours

Standard working hours are 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday to Friday. Field-testing activities may require early-morning or extended hours, depending on mission requirements.

Compensation Range

Competitive compensation aligned with industry standards, including performance-based incentives. Exact salary ranges can be customised according to experience.

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance. Professional development support. * Detachment allowance.