Drone Systems Engineer: Fixed-Wing UAVs & Mechatronics

Pructon; New South Wales; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquila is building the world’s first optical energy network to keep drones flying indefinitely. We’re seeking a Drone Systems Engineer to design, integrate, and test next-gen UAVs powered by our Lightway system.

You’ll work across mechanical, electronic, and software systems—from rapid prototyping and flight controller tuning to hands-on integration and field testing. You’ll lead integration of novel airframes, tune flight dynamics, and develop tools that accelerate testing and decision‑making

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or equivalent hands-on experience in mechatronics, aerospace, mechanical, software, or electronics.
• Hands-on experience with PX4/ArduPilot flight controllers.
• Experience integrating UAV power systems (batteries, BECs, ESCs).
• Familiar with I2C, SPI, UART, CAN.
• Proficient in rapid prototyping and CAD.
• Strong documentation and test planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Influence design/packaging of a novel power receiver for fixed-wing UAV.
• Lead flight tests and analyze data to inform decisions.
• Tune flight dynamics and integrate new airframes.
• Develop ground tooling for mission planning, telemetry, and data analysis.
• Coordinate across mechanical, electronics, and firmware teams.
• Oversee safe flight operations and act as primary UAV pilot.
• Document test methodologies and results for knowledge sharing.

Skills

PX4/ArduPilot flight controllers

UAV power systems integration

Flight dynamics & stability

Python programming

System identification & testing

Documentation & reporting

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics/Aerospace/Mechanical/Software/Electronics

Tools

PX4/ArduPilot flight controllers

CAD tools

Rapid prototyping tools

Embedded firmware tools

Job description

Aquila is building the world’s first optical energy network to keep drones flying indefinitely. We’re seeking a Drone Systems Engineer to design, integrate, and test next-gen UAVs powered by our Lightway system.

You’ll work across mechanical, electronic, and software systems—from rapid prototyping and flight controller tuning to hands-on integration and field testing. You’ll lead integration of novel airframes, tune flight dynamics, and develop tools that accelerate testing and decision‑making