POSITION OVERVIEW
We are looking for an Embedded Systems & Autonomy Engineer to join our R&D division. You will design, implement, and validate autonomy algorithms for our UAV platforms, integrate custom software with open-source flight control firmware, and work alongside our Operations team during field deployments and testing campaigns. This is a hands-on engineering role that spans algorithm development, hardware integration, and real-world validation in operational environments.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Algorithm Development
- Design and implement autonomy algorithms for UAV platforms using C++, Python, and ROS/ROS2
- Develop and validate state estimation, sensor fusion, and closed-loop control logic
- Write simulation environments for algorithm testing prior to hardware deployment
- Optimize algorithms for real-time performance on embedded flight computer hardware
Firmware & Flight Controller Integration
- Integrate custom autonomy modules with PX4 and ArduPilot open-source firmware stacks
- Develop and maintain custom MAVLink protocol extensions and companion computer interfaces
- Configure and tune Pixhawk-based flight controller hardware for specific airframe and mission requirements
- Manage firmware build systems, parameter management, and version control across platforms
Sensor & Payload Integration
- Interface vision, LIDAR, IMU, GNSS, and other payloads with the flight computer and ROS ecosystem
- Develop camera and imaging system drivers, calibration pipelines, and data handling workflows
- Implement real-time sensor processing pipelines on companion computers (NVIDIA Jetson, Raspberry Pi, or equivalent)
Field Testing & Operations Support
- Support the Operations team during field testing campaigns -preparing aircraft, configuring systems, and executing test plans
- Instrument flight systems for data capture, monitor telemetry, and perform post-flight analysis
- Diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues in the field under time pressure
- Document test results, anomalies, and lessons learned, and feed findings back into the development cycle
- Travel to field sites as required, including remote locations and variable weather environments
Engineering Standards & Collaboration
- Write clean, well-documented code with unit and integration tests
- Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and technical planning sessions
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers across the R&D team
- Contribute to IP development and internal technical documentation
REQUIRED QUALIFICATION
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field
- 3+ years of hands-on experience with PX4 and/or ArduPilot firmware -configuration, customization, and extension
- Strong working knowledge of ROS and/or ROS2 -node development, launch systems, tf, topics, services, and actions
- Experience with Pixhawk flight controller hardware and the MAVLink communication protocol
- Proficiency in C++ and Python for embedded and real-time systems development
- Experience integrating sensors -cameras, IMUs, GNSS, LIDAR -with UAV platforms
- Hands-on experience flying and testing UAV systems in field environments
- Strong debugging and systems troubleshooting skills across hardware and software
- Ability to work in the field -physically capable of equipment handling and travel to remote sites
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as may be reasonably assigned by the Company from time to time.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with UAV control systems architecture -attitude control, position control, mission management
- Familiarity with Gazebo, AirSim, or SITL simulation environments for UAV development
- Knowledge of computer vision fundamentals - OpenCV, feature detection, image processing pipelines
- Experience with NVIDIA Jetson or similar edge computing platforms
- Background in defence, industrial, or Arctic / northern operations environments
- Exposure to DO-178C, transport Canada RPAS regulations, or equivalent certification frameworks
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing setups
- Familiarity with GIS tools, georeferencing, and geospatial data formats
HOURS OF WORK AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The position is an onsite role, and the Employee is required to perform their duties primarily at the Company's designated workplace, as directed by the Company.
- The standard work schedule consists of forty (40) hours per week, typically performed Monday to Friday, subject to operational requirements.
- Travel to field operations in varied and challenging environments across Canada
- From time to time, the Employee may be required to maintain reasonable flexibility in working hours to support operational needs, time-sensitive activities, or business priorities.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are ready to take your career to new heights, please apply with your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.
