UxV Systems Lead

Volatus Aerospace

$90K — $120K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related discipline
  • 3-5 years of hands-on experience with UxV, UAV, RPAS, or aerospace systems
  • Proficient in UAV flight controllers like Pixhawk (PX4 / ArduPilot)
  • Understanding of propulsion systems, aerodynamics, and flight dynamics
  • Experience in hardware integration and field testing
  • Basic programming skills in Python or C
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and leadership abilities

Responsibilities

  • Lead UxV platform and aerospace systems development from concept to prototype
  • Define system architecture for propulsion, avionics, and control systems
  • Configure and validate UAV flight controllers
  • Support cross-disciplinary system integration activities
  • Plan and execute prototype testing and operations
  • Conduct pre-flight checks and troubleshoot systems
  • Mentor junior team members and guide technical development

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams
  • Opportunity to mentor and lead a team of engineers
  • Participation in rapid prototyping and agile development cycles
  • Engagement in cutting-edge aerospace technology projects
  • Flexibility in working hours to adapt to operational needs
Full Job Description
As part of our continued growth and innovation initiatives, we are seeking a UxV Systems Lead to join our engineering team and support the development, integration, testing, and operational deployment of advanced autonomous and remotely piloted vehicle systems.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The UxV Systems Lead will serve as a key technical leader responsible for overseeing the design, integration, and validation of unmanned and autonomous vehicle systems. This role will lead cross-functional engineering activities spanning avionics, propulsion, flight control systems, mechanical integration, and operational testing.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in guiding prototype development, supporting system architecture decisions, mentoring junior team members, and driving rapid iteration in a fast-paced aerospace environment. This position requires a hands-on technical leader with strong systems-level thinking, practical field experience, and a passion for building and testing advanced aerospace technologies under real-world operating conditions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead the concept-to-prototype development cycle for UxV platforms and aerospace systems
  • Define and support system architecture including propulsion systems, avionics integration, payload configurations, frame geometry, and control systems
  • Configure, calibrate, and validate flight controllers including Pixhawk (PX4 / ArduPilot), KK Boards, and Piccolo autopilot systems
  • Support system integration activities across mechanical, electrical, avionics, and software disciplines
  • Plan, coordinate, and support prototype testing, ground validation, and flight operations activities
  • Conduct pre-flight checks, troubleshoot system-level issues, and support safe flight-testing operations
  • Lead sprint planning and technical task coordination to support rapid engineering iteration and development timelines
  • Mentor junior engineering team members and provide technical guidance across development activities
  • Analyze flight logs, telemetry data, and system performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities
  • Maintain organized technical documentation including architecture records, test reports, and configuration management documentation
  • Collaborate with engineering, operations, and flight test teams to support continuous product improvement and operational readiness.


REQUIRED QUALIFICATION

  • Degree or Diploma in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical discipline
  • 3-5 years of hands-on experience working with UxV, UAV, RPAS, robotics, or aerospace systems
  • Strong experience configuring and operating UAV flight controllers including Pixhawk (PX4 / ArduPilot), KK Board, and Piccolo autopilot systems
  • Solid understanding of propulsion systems, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, and system integration principles
  • Experience with hardware integration, troubleshooting, and field testing activities
  • Basic programming or scripting experience in Python or C
  • Strong technical problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and team collaboration abilities
  • Ability to work effectively in fast-paced prototype and operational environments.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as may be reasonably assigned by the Company from time to time.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

  • Experience with fixed-wing, VTOL, or hybrid aircraft platforms
  • Familiarity with simulation environments such as Gazebo, SITL, or JSBSim
  • Experience with MAVLink, DroneCAN/UAVCAN, or related UAV communication protocols
  • RC pilot experience or professional flight operations exposure considered an asset
  • Prior experience working in startup, R&D, or rapid prototyping environments
  • Exposure to embedded systems, firmware configuration, or autonomy systems development.


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.
  • 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 engineering career to new heights, please apply with your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.

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