Senior Drone Systems Engineer

Location

India (On-site / Hybrid as per project requirement)

Experience

8–15 years in UAV, aerospace, robotics, or complex electromechanical systems

Role Overview

We are looking for a Senior Drone Systems Engineer who can take end-to-end ownership of UAV system architecture. This role sits at the intersection of airframe, propulsion, avionics, sensors, software, and payload integration. You will lead system design, integration, testing, and field deployment of advanced drone platforms across agriculture, logistics, surveillance, and defense applications.

This is a hands-on role for someone who understands real-world flying systems, not just simulations.

Key ResponsibilitiesSystem Architecture & Design

- Define complete UAV system architecture including airframe, propulsion, power, avionics, communication, payloads, and GCS

- Translate mission requirements into technical specifications and subsystem requirements

- Perform system trade-off studies for endurance, payload, range, reliability, and cost

Integration & Validation

- Lead integration of motors, ESCs, batteries, IC engines or hybrid systems, flight controllers, sensors, RF links, and payloads

- Own system-level testing including ground tests, flight tests, environmental tests, and reliability trials

- Diagnose and resolve issues related to vibration, EMI/EMC, thermal, power, and RF performance

Flight Control & Avionics

- Work with autopilot and firmware teams on tuning, redundancy, failsafe logic, and mission modes

- Define sensor fusion strategies for GPS, IMU, magnetometer, barometer, LiDAR, radar, and vision systems

- Ensure safe behavior in GNSS-denied or degraded environments

Power & Propulsion

- Design and validate propulsion systems for multirotor, VTOL, fixed-wing, or hybrid UAVs

- Evaluate motors, propellers, batteries, fuel systems, generators, and power distribution

- Optimize power efficiency, endurance, and thermal management

Compliance & Documentation

- Ensure compliance with DGCA and applicable regulatory requirements

- Prepare system documentation, test reports, FMEA, and certification support documents

- Support customer demonstrations, trials, and audits

Leadership & Collaboration

- Mentor junior engineers and guide cross-functional teams

- Collaborate with mechanical, electronics, firmware, AI, manufacturing, and field teams

- Act as technical point of contact during critical customer engagements

Required Skills & ExperienceTechnical

- Strong experience in UAV system engineering and integration

- Deep understanding of flight dynamics, avionics, propulsion, and power systems

- Hands-on experience with flight controllers, GCS, telemetry, and RF communication

- Strong real-world debugging and failure analysis skills

Soft Skills

- Strong ownership and problem-solving mindset

- Clear communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders

- Ability to work in fast-paced, prototype-driven environments

Good to Have

- Experience with defense, high-altitude, or long-endurance UAVs

- Exposure to hybrid or IC engine-based drones

- Knowledge of redundancy and safety-critical architectures

What We Offer

- Work on mission-critical drone platforms

- High technical ownership and decision-making authority

• - Exposure to agriculture, logistics, disaster management, and defense programs