Embedded System Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineer – UAV & Jet Propulsion SystemsLocation: Hyderabad (On Site)Company: Apollyon DynamicsType: Full-TimeAbout Apollyon DynamicsApollyon Dynamics is a BITS Pilani, Hyderabad student-led defense technology startup building next-generation UAV systems, from jet-propelled loitering munitions to autonomous aerial platforms that redefine speed, endurance, and intelligence.Our mission is to fuse cutting-edge avionics, AI-driven control, and indigenous manufacturing to power India’s next era of defense innovation.We’re young, ambitious, and deeply technical, if you’ve ever wanted to build something that actually flies, this is your place.Role OverviewWe’re looking for an Embedded Systems Engineer who can turn control theory and aerodynamics into working hardware.You’ll be responsible for developing real-time embedded firmware that drives propulsion, control surfaces, and sensor systems for our UAV platforms.This isn’t a maintenance role — it’s an R&D-heavy engineering position where you’ll be prototyping, testing, and debugging firmware that powers autonomous jet UAVs.You’ll work directly with the aerodynamics, control systems, and AI autonomy teams to ensure tight hardware–software integration.Key Responsibilities- Design, develop, and optimize embedded firmware for UAV flight controllers and propulsion subsystems. - Integrate sensors (IMU, GPS, barometer, pitot tube, fuel/temperature sensors) and actuators (ESCs, servos, jet throttle valves). - Implement and tune control loops (PID, LQR, custom algorithms) in real-time environments. - Develop and maintain communication protocols — UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, and MAVLink for telemetry. - Bring up and debug STM32-based boards, ensuring robust RTOS performance (FreeRTOS or NuttX). - Collaborate with control engineers to deploy algorithms from MATLAB/Simulink or Python simulations to the microcontroller. - Ensure system reliability — watchdogs, fault handling, and real-time safety checks. - Conduct bench testing and field testing of avionics systems with data logging and analysis. - Maintain documentation for firmware architecture, APIs, and hardware interfacing.Required Skills & Experience- Core Firmware: Strong C++ 17 for embedded systems, familiarity with STM32 / ARM Cortex microcontrollers - RTOS / Bare Metal: Experience with FreeRTOS, thread scheduling, interrupt handling, and low-level drivers - Electronics: Understanding of digital electronics, ADC/DAC, PWM, serial communication, and PCB-level debugging - Communication Protocols: UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, and MAVLink for UAV telemetry - Sensor Integration: IMUs, GPS, barometers, magnetometers, ESCs, and other avionics components - Control Loops: Basic understanding of PID control and ability to implement it on hardware - Testing Tools: Logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, serial monitors, data loggers - Version Control: Git / GitHub workflow familiarityBonus: PX4/Ardupilot firmware experience, ROS2, UAVCAN, sensor fusion (EKF), MATLAB/Simulink, embedded LinuxNice-to-Have Experience- Prior work on UAVs, drones, or robotics platforms - Experience flashing and debugging PX4 or Ardupilot builds - Knowledge of control systems, signal processing, or state estimation - Comfort with Gazebo or PX4 SITL simulation environments - Experience with AI-on-edge or microcontroller-based ML inferencePersonality & Culture FitWe’re not looking for employees; we’re looking for builders.You’ll fit right in if you:- Thrive in hands-on R&D, not just documentation. - Enjoy debugging at 2 AM because you just got a new sensor talking. - Want to see your code take flight – literally. - Are comfortable working in a fast-paced, mission-driven startup environment. - Believe in learning fast, failing smart and fast, and iterating even faster.