Avionics and Flight Systems Engineer

Company DescriptionWe 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 IntroductionWe’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 ResponsibilitiesEnd-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 SetEmbedded 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