Senior UAV Systems Engineer

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead system-level integration of avionics, sensors, payloads, and communication systems across UAV platforms.
• Work extensively on fixed-wing VTOL aircraft, hybrid platforms, and multirotors (quad, hexa, octa, etc.) including tuning, configuration, and system validation.
• Integrate and validate payload systems such as EO/IR gimbals, LiDAR, hyperspectral sensors, GPS/IMU systems, SIGINT payloads, etc.
• Implement and troubleshoot communication protocols: MAVLink, Ethernet, UART, RS-232/422/485, CAN, SPI, I2C.
• Work with custom/proprietary flight control software for flight control, mission planning, and payload integration.
• Collaborate on the development, customization, and testing of in-house autopilot functionality (navigation, control laws, safety systems).
• Integrate embedded computing platforms (Jetson, Raspberry Pi, SBCs) for onboard autonomy and payload processing.
• Conduct HIL/SIL simulations, flight testing, and field validation of UAV systems.
• Perform payload calibration, power budgeting, data handling, and control interface setup.
• Prepare comprehensive documentation, wiring diagrams, test plans, and integration procedures.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers on system integration practices.
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in ECE, Electronics, Embedded Systems, or related fields.
• 3+ years of experience in UAV/drone systems engineering (startup experience preferred).
• Proven hands-on experience working on: Fixed-wing VTOL platforms, Conventional fixed-wing UAVs, Multirotor platforms (quadcopters, hexacopters, octocopters, etc.)
• Strong expertise in RF system design, antenna selection, link budgeting, and integration.
• Experience working with custom/proprietary autopilot systems (not limited to open-source stacks).
• Solid knowledge of communication interfaces: UART, CAN, SPI, I2C, RS-232/422, Ethernet.
• Strong background in payload integration, real-time data handling, and command/control mapping.
• Hands-on experience with ROS, Gazebo, Jetson, Raspberry Pi, and other onboard computing environments.
• Strong skills in debugging, root-cause analysis, and subsystem-level troubleshooting.
  

Preferred Skills

• Experience in flight control system development, control algorithms, guidance, and sensor fusion.
• Experience with ISR, defense-grade, and industrial payloads.
• Understanding of DGCA/defense UAV compliance, EMI/EMC considerations, and airworthiness practices.
• Experience with multi-payload architectures and modular platform design.
• Strong documentation, analytical, and reporting skills.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on advanced UAV systems, including long-endurance VTOL platforms, tactical multirotors, and specialized mission-specific UAVs.
• High-ownership role with direct involvement in system architecture, avionics integration, and flight-control development across multiple platforms.
• Exposure to defense-focused R&D, advanced payload ecosystems, and large-scale industrial UAV deployments.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to click on "Apply Now" button or send resume to "careers@karmandrones.com" with the subject line: "Application – Senior UAV Systems Engineer".