UAV System Engineer (Fixedwing)

Role Overview

The UAV System Engineer – Fixed Wing will be responsible for the end-to-end design, integration, testing, and optimization of fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. The role requires deep understanding of aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, and flight control systems specific to fixed-wing platforms.

Job Description

• Design and define fixed-wing UAV architecture including airframe, propulsion, avionics, and payload integration.
• Perform aerodynamic analysis, weight & balance calculations, and performance estimation (range, endurance, stall speed).
• Configure and integrate flight controllers (Pixhawk / Cube / DJI).
• Tune fixed-wing parameters (PID tuning, TECS, navigation tuning).
• Integrate GPS, airspeed sensor, magnetometer, telemetry, and RC systems.
• Integrate servos, control linkages, landing gear, and payload mounting.
• Ensure EMI/EMC compliance and vibration isolation.
• Support PCB design for power, sensor, or communication modules if required.
• Select and size motors, propellers, ESCs, batteries for fixed-wing efficiency and endurance.
• Perform power budgeting and energy optimization for long-range operations.
• Design and validate power distribution and redundancy systems.
• Plan and execute fixed-wing ground tests, taxi tests, and flight tests.
• Conduct endurance, range, and failsafe testing.
• Analyze flight logs and implement corrective actions.
• Support compliance with DGCA and other aviation authorities (NPNT, UIN, Type Certification).
• Prepare system documentation, flight manuals, and test reports.
• Assist in manufacturing handover and field deployment.

Qualifications/Requirement

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electronics, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 2–5 years of hands-on experience in fixed-wing UAV systems.
• Strong project or field testing experience is mandatory.
• Strong experience with fixed-wing UAV platforms.
• Deep understanding of aerodynamics and flight mechanics.
• Experience with Ardupilot / PX4 fixed-wing configuration.
• Knowledge of propulsion sizing and airframe integration.
• Familiarity with tools like Mission Planner, QGroundControl.
• Ability to analyze flight logs (Dataflash, MAVLink).
• Experience with long-endurance or BVLOS fixed-wing drones.
• Familiarity with DGCA certification processes.