UAV Robotics/Mechatronics Engineer (UAV Pilot & Flight Operations)
RemoteDelft, South Holland, The Netherlands or The Netherlands
Job Summary
Pilot and operate UAV platforms in test, R&D, and field environments across FPV, multirotor, and fixed-wing systems. Ensure platforms are flight-ready through structured pre-flight, post-flight, and maintenance routines, performing system checks on airframes, propulsion, power, telemetry, and onboard compute. Plan and execute flight test campaigns to validate autonomy capabilities, tune flight controllers, and collect data while troubleshooting readiness issues in the field. Develop and debug interfaces between flight controllers and the autonomy stack, work with embedded Linux systems, and lead hardware integration including wiring, soldering, and 3D-printed parts. Travel to test sites to deploy solutions and provide technical feedback on failure modes. Maintain standard operating procedures and keep platforms organized for rapid iteration.
Required Qualifications
- Education in a relevant study (Aerospace, Robotics, Electrical, Mechatronics, Engineering etc.)
- Linux basics
- Interest in UAVs, robotics, embedded systems, or autonomy
- English proficiency
- Organized and proactive
- You can fly — you have real experience flying UAVs, RC aircraft, or FPV systems
- You hold a drone pilot license or similar flight certification (or are ready to acquire one immediately)
- You have a driver's license
- Must be available for weekend shifts
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs
Desired Qualifications
- Deep hands-on experience with ArduPilot & Betaflight, including parameter tuning, MAVLink protocol, and debugging controller-level issues
- Experience with Holybro, Pixhawk-based systems, ESCs, power distribution, telemetry radios, or RC links
- Ability to compile, cross-compile, and debug C++ applications for ARM64 embedded platforms
- Understanding of robotics fundamentals: kinematics, control theory, sensor fusion (SLAM, visual odometry)
- Strong electronics skills: reading schematics, soldering, using multimeters and oscilloscopes
- Experience building UAV platforms from scratch, airframe assembly, component selection, system bring-up
- Experience with CAD tools (Fusion 360, SolidWorks) for mounts, enclosures, or custom mechanical parts
- Familiarity with Docker for edge deployment and containerized robotics applications
- Proficiency in Python or C++
- Familiarity with Git and CI pipelines for embedded systems
- Understanding of wireless communication protocols used in UAVs (Wi-Fi, LTE, radio telemetry)
- Prior experience in a fast-paced startup or research environment where you shipped real robotics systems
- Willingness to travel regularly, including internationally, for extended periods
- FPV experience
- Bonus: Driver's license, drone pilot license, CAD, 3D printing, soldering, or flight experience
- Basic Linux skills
- Strong interest in UAVs, flight operations, robotics, embedded systems, or autonomy
- Organized and proactive working style
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