Autonomous Systems Engineer (UAV / Drone)

About the Role

As an Autonomous Systems Engineer, you will develop and integrate autonomous capabilities for UAV platforms, enabling safe and intelligent operation in complex environments. Working alongside software, controls and systems engineers, you will design, test and optimise autonomous flight behaviours from simulation through to real-world flight testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop autonomous navigation, mission planning and decision-making algorithms.
• Design and implement guidance, navigation and control (GNC) software.
• Develop sensor fusion and perception capabilities using GPS, IMUs, LiDAR, cameras and other sensors.
• Build and validate autonomous systems through simulation, HIL/SIL testing and flight trials.
• Analyse flight data to improve system performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate autonomous capabilities into UAV platforms.

Experience

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience developing autonomous systems for UAVs, robotics, autonomous vehicles or aerospace applications.
• Strong programming skills in C++ and/or Python.
• Experience with ROS/ROS2, Linux and simulation environments such as Gazebo or AirSim.
• Knowledge of guidance, navigation and control, sensor fusion and computer vision.
• Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, AI/ML or SLAM is advantageous.