Role Overview:
We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented UAV Systems Engineer to support the design, integration, and validation of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with embedded hardware, avionics component selection, and electrical system design, including wiring schematics. Familiarity with communication interfaces and motor drivers such as the L298N is essential.
Key Responsibilities:
1. System Design & Integration
- Design and develop UAV system architectures for fixed-wing, multirotor, or VTOL platforms.
- Integrate avionics components including flight controllers, GNSS modules, telemetry systems, ESCs, power distribution units, and payloads.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless system integration.
- Support system-level testing, validation, and troubleshooting during ground and flight tests.
2. Embedded Hardware Development
- Work with embedded systems based on microcontrollers such as STM32, Arduino, and ESP32.
- Interface sensors including IMUs, barometers, magnetometers, airspeed sensors, and range finders.
- Assist in PCB bring-up, hardware debugging, and validation.
- Develop and review hardware documentation including schematics and interface definitions.
3. Avionics Component Selection
- Evaluate and select appropriate avionics components based on mission requirements, reliability, and SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) considerations.
- Prepare Bills of Materials (BOM) and support vendor evaluation.
- Ensure compatibility and compliance with UAV system requirements.
4. Electrical Wiring & Schematic Design
- Create and review detailed wiring schematics, harness layouts, and pin configurations.
- Ensure proper grounding, shielding, and EMI/EMC considerations.
- Support assembly and inspection of UAV electrical systems.
- Utilize tools such as Altium, KiCad, Eagle, or AutoCAD Electrical.
5. Communication Interfaces
- Implement and troubleshoot communication protocols including UART/USART, I2C, SPI, CAN, PWM, PPM, SBUS, and Ethernet where applicable.
- Demonstrate understanding of motor driver interfaces such as the L298N, including control via PWM and direction pins.
6. Testing & Validation
- Develop and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and system integration tests.
- Analyze flight logs and system data to diagnose and resolve issues.
- Support environmental and reliability testing.
- Prepare technical reports and test procedures.
7. Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain comprehensive system documentation including Interface Control Documents (ICDs), wiring diagrams, and integration manuals.
- Ensure adherence to industry standards and safety practices.
- Support certification and regulatory processes where applicable.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronics, Electrical, Aerospace, Mechatronics, or a related engineering field.
- 4-6 years of hands-on experience in UAV or aerospace systems engineering.
- Strong knowledge of embedded hardware and avionics integration.
- Experience in wiring schematic design and electrical system integration.
- Proficiency with communication protocols such as UART, I2C, SPI, CAN, and PWM.
- Practical experience with motor drivers (e.g., L298N).
- Familiarity with UAV flight controllers such as Pixhawk running PX4 or ArduPilot.
- Experience with electronic design tools (Altium, KiCad, Eagle, etc.).
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with fixed-wing or VTOL UAVs.
- Knowledge of power systems including LiPo batteries, BMS, and power distribution.
- Familiarity with RF communication systems and antenna integration.
- Exposure to EMI/EMC design considerations.
- Basic understanding of embedded C/C++ or Python.
- Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) or Software-in-the-Loop (SITL) simulations.
Key Skills:
- UAV System Integration
- Embedded Hardware Design
- Avionics Component Selection
- Wiring & Harness Design
- Communication Protocols
- Motor Driver Interfaces (L298N)
- Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis
- Technical Documentation
- Cross-functional Collaboration
