R&D Manager – Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Platforms

Position: R&D Manager – Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Platforms

Department: Research & Development (R&D)

Location: Gurugram (Work from Office)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Director – Research & Development / CTO

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and innovation-driven R&D Manager – Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Platforms to lead the design, development, integration, testing, and deployment of advanced UAV technologies.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise across the complete UAV development lifecycle, including system architecture, Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC), avionics, autonomous flight systems, embedded software, communication protocols, and flight testing.

This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge Agri Drone, Defense, Aerospace, Homeland Security, and Autonomous Aviation projects.

Key Responsibilities

UAV System Design & Architecture

• Define system requirements and operational concepts for UAV programs.
• Develop complete UAV system architecture and technical specifications.
• Lead technical planning from concept development through deployment.
• Design scalable and reliable unmanned aerial platforms.

Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC)

• Design and integrate Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) systems.
• Develop autonomous navigation algorithms.
• Support flight controller configuration and optimization.
• Integrate sensor fusion and navigation systems.
  

Software & Embedded Systems

• Support Linux-based UAV software development.
• Develop embedded software architecture and middleware integration.
• Implement UAV communication protocols and networking solutions.
• Integrate MAVLink, ArduPilot, PX4, ROS/ROS2, and companion computers.
  

Simulation & Testing

• Establish Software-in-the-Loop (SITL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation environments.
• Conduct system validation and verification.
• Lead UAV flight testing and performance evaluation.
• Troubleshoot and optimize UAV systems.

UAV Integration

• Integrate avionics, propulsion systems, payloads, communication modules, and Ground Control Stations (GCS).
• Ensure compatibility between hardware and software components.
• Support mission planning systems and autonomous operations.
  

Technical Leadership

• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Provide technical consultancy on UAV programs.
• Review engineering designs and ensure technical quality.
• Mentor engineers and drive innovation across projects.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in:

·      Aerospace Engineering

·      Electronics & Communication Engineering

·      Computer Science Engineering

·      Mechanical Engineering

·      Robotics

·      Mechatronics

·      Or a related technical discipline.

Required Experience

• 8–12+ years of experience in UAV system development and integration.
• Hands-on experience with:

·      Fixed-Wing UAVs

·      VTOL Platforms

·      Multirotor UAVs

·      High-Speed UAVs

• Experience in Agri Drone, Defense, Aerospace, Homeland Security, or Autonomous Systems projects.
• Proven experience in UAV flight testing and deployment.
• Experience leading complete UAV development projects from concept to production.
• Experience managing technical teams is preferred.

Technical Skills

UAV Systems

• End-to-end UAV Design & Development
• UAV System Integration
• Flight Testing & Validation
• Mission Planning Systems

Flight Control

• Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC)
• Flight Control Systems
• Autonomous Navigation
• Swarm UAV Systems
• Multi-UAV Operations

Software & Embedded Systems

• Linux
• Embedded Systems
• C/C++
• Python
• MAVLink
• ArduPilot
• PX4
• ROS / ROS2

Communication Systems

• UAV Communication Networks
• Telemetry Systems
• RF Communication
• Ground Control Stations (GCS)

Hardware

• Avionics
• Electrical System Design
• Payload Integration
• Sensors
• IMU
• GPS
• ESC Integration

Simulation

• SITL
• HIL
• Simulation Environments

Core Competencies

• Strong Technical Leadership
• System Architecture Design
• Innovation & Problem Solving
• Project Management
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Decision Making
• Analytical Thinking
• Excellent Communication Skills

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a highly experienced UAV professional who can:

• Lead complete unmanned aerial system development programs.
• Drive innovation in autonomous aviation technologies.
• Build scalable UAV platforms for commercial and defense applications.
• Mentor engineering teams and establish R&D best practices.
• Deliver mission-critical aerospace solutions from concept to deployment.

Why Join Us?

• Work on next-generation UAV and autonomous technologies.
• Opportunity to contribute to Defense, Aerospace, and Agri Drone innovations.
• Collaborate with a highly skilled engineering team.
• Fast-paced, innovation-driven work environment.
• Opportunity to shape the future of unmanned aviation.