Avionics and Flight Systems Engineer

Company Description We are an Indian Aerospace Startup building next-Generation Autonomous Aerial systems for Defense Applications. We are Developing platforms Designed for speed, precision, and survivability. Role Introduction We’re looking for a Flight Systems Engineer who can take systems from CAD → bench → simulation → flight — owning embedded avionics, power systems, communication interfaces, and HIL/SITL testing. This is a founding-engineer role with high ownership, fast iteration, and real impact. Key Responsibilities End-to-End Flight Systems Integration - Architect and implement the complete avionics stack: flight controller, companion computer, telemetry, RC link, camera system, PDU, and sensor interfaces. - Integrate and validate all onboard sensors (IMU, GNSS, pitot-static, baro, magnetometer, cameras). - Ensure accurate sensor time synchronization and fault-tolerant logging. - Implement remote control, assisted, and autonomous modes with smooth transition and fail-safe validation. - Develop power architecture — battery segregation, PDUs, current sensing, grounding, and thermal management. - Design EMI/EMC-robust wiring harnesses, grounding layouts, and shielding. - Lead hardware bring-up and functional testing of control electronics. Simulation, HIL/SITL, and Validation - Develop and maintain Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SITL) benches. - Create servo/load rigs, thrust stands, and embedded test automation scripts (Python/MATLAB). - Perform bench-level and tethered hover tests, log analysis, and telemetry validation. - Work with controls, propulsion, and aerodynamics teams for full system correlation. - Analyze flight data to tune control gains and verify stability margins. Software, Communication, and Control Integration - Program and configure flight controllers and companion systems (PX4 / ArduPilot / custom RTOS). - Implement CAN, UART, I2C, SPI, and Ethernet communication protocols for avionics networking. - Develop and debug CAN communication scripts for inter-module data exchange and diagnostics. - Interface with GCS software for telemetry, RC, and video feed integration. - Deploy embedded software on C / C++ / Python / MATLAB Simulink / ROS2 environments. - Optimize real-time performance and thermal reliability under dynamic flight loads. Testing, Safety, and Documentation - Develop and execute flight test checklists, safety gates, and acceptance criteria. - Maintain ICDs, wiring diagrams, calibration logs, and test reports. - Lead ground test campaigns (sensor calibration, thrust mapping, EMI scans, endurance runs). - Correlate flight data with simulation results for continuous improvement. Core Skill Set Embedded Hardware & Electronics - Proficiency with microcontrollers (STM32, ESP32, NXP, etc.), RTOS, and low-level board bring-up. - Strong understanding of sensors, IMUs, barometers, GNSS, magnetometers, and camera systems. - Power system design: PDUs, fusing, current sensors, battery safety, and thermal design. - PCB interface and connector-level design familiarity. Communication & Networking - CAN / UAVCAN, UART, I2C, SPI, and Ethernet-based avionics communication. - Experience with telemetry links, RC systems, and video transmission optimization. - EMI/EMC mitigation, grounding, and shielding best practices. Software & Simulation - Proficiency in C / C++ / Python / MATLAB / Simulink for embedded and simulation development. - Familiarity with ROS / ROS2 for system integration and visualization. - Experience with HIL/SITL setup, Gazebo/JSBSim, or PX4/ArduPilot test environments. - Data analysis and visualization using Python (NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib). Testing & Validation - Skilled in hardware test bench design, sensor calibration, and system diagnostics. - Knowledge of flight log analysis, control tuning, and telemetry validation. - Ground and flight test instrumentation setup and data correlation. Qualifications & Experience - B.E/B.Tech or M.E/M.Tech in Electronics, Electrical, Mechatronics, Aerospace, or Robotics Engineering. - Experience: 3–5 years in flight systems, avionics, or embedded engineering. - Hands-on background with UAVs, drones, or aerospace/defense-grade systems preferred. - Proven ability to take hardware/software systems from prototype to validated flight. Preferred Extras - Companion computer integration (NVIDIA Jetson, Raspberry Pi). - Visual odometry, SLAM, or GNSS-denied navigation systems. - Contributions to open-source flight stacks or embedded projects. How to Apply - Resume (PDF) - Portfolio / repo / project links (hardware photos, firmware, flight logs) - Optional: 2–3 lines on the most challenging flight system problem you solved. Why Join Us - You’ll design and integrate systems that actually fly. - Founding-level ownership and technical leadership. - Work on the frontier of real-world autonomy and flight systems