Aerial Robotics Navigation Software Researcher

Eurecat Technology Centre; Cerdanyola del Vallés; Híbrido; EUR 60.000 - 90.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Permanent contract

Hybrid work model

Flexible remuneration package

Descripción de la vacante

Eurecat Technology Center in Barcelona seeks an Aerial Robotics Navigation Software Researcher to design, develop, and validate autonomous UAV navigation software, focusing on localization, state estimation, and path planning. Experience with ROS/ROS2, C++, and Python is essential for integrating navigation stacks on multirotor and VTOL platforms.

The role involves onboard autonomy, sensor fusion, and testing in GNSS-denied environments, with opportunities to contribute to national and European

Formación

• Proven expertise in autonomous UAV navigation and robotics software.
• Experience with ROS/ROS2 and Python/C++ development.
• Hands-on experience deploying navigation algorithms on real UAV platforms.
• Knowledge of localization, state estimation, and path planning in GNSS-denied environments.

Responsabilidades

• Develop autonomous navigation software for UAV platforms and integrate with autopilots (PX4/ArduPilot).
• Implement localization, planning, obstacle avoidance, and mission execution modules.
• Validate software through simulation and real-world flight campaigns; debug system integrations.
• Collaborate on national/European R&D projects and contribute to technical reports.

Descripción del empleo

Job Overview

The Mobile Robotics research line of the Robotics and Automation Unit at Eurecat Technology Center (Barcelona) is seeking an Aerial Robotics Navigation Software Researcher with a strong background in robotics software and autonomous navigation algorithms, together with hands‑on experience deploying and validating them on real UAV platforms.

The selected candidate will focus on the design, development and implementation of software for autonomous UAV navigation, including localization and state estimation, global and local path planning, trajectory generation, reactive navigation, obstacle avoidance, mission execution, and navigation in GNSS-denied or degraded environments.

We are particularly looking for a software-oriented robotics profile, with strong experience in ROS/ROS2, C++ and Python, capable of developing navigation algorithms, integrating them into complete autonomy stacks, and validating them through simulation and real flight experiments on multirotor and VTOL platforms.

The selected candidate is expected to work on:

• Autonomous UAV navigation and mission execution.
• Localization, state estimation and sensor fusion.
• Navigation in GNSS-denied and degraded environments.
• Path planning, trajectory generation and obstacle avoidance.
• Integration of ROS/ROS2 autonomy stacks with UAV autopilots.
• Onboard autonomy, multi-UAV systems and real-world field validation.

Responsabilities

• Develop and integrate autonomous navigation software for UAV platforms.
• Integrate ROS/ROS2 systems with autopilots such as PX4 or ArduPilot.
• Develop localization, planning, obstacle avoidance and autonomous mission capabilities.
• Develop the software integration of onboard sensors and computing platforms into the UAV autonomy stack.
• Conduct simulation, laboratory and outdoor flight-testing campaigns.
• Debug and analyze navigation, flight and system‑integration issues.
• Contribute to national and European R&D projects, technical reports and scientific publications.

Requirements

REQUERIMENTS

Academic Background

• MSc, PhD, or equivalent experience in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Control Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields.

Mandatory

• Strong background in autonomous UAV navigation.
• Hands‑on experience developing and testing autonomous functions on real UAV platforms. Experience with multirotor and/or VTOL platforms.
• Knowledge of localization, state estimation, path planning, trajectory generation and autonomous mission execution.
• Experience integrating AI/Deep Learning models into onboard robotic autonomy systems.
• Experience with Linux-based robotic systems and UAV simulation environments.
• Proficiency in ROS/ROS2, C++ and Python.
• Experience integrating ROS/ROS2 autonomy software with UAV autopilots such as PX4 or ArduPilot.
• Availability to participate in outdoor flight‑testing campaigns.

Nice to Have

• Knowledge of MAVLink, MAVROS, px4_ros_com or similar interfaces.
• Experience with VIO, VO, LiDAR odometry and/or SLAM.
• Experience with local planning and obstacle avoidance for UAVs.
• Experience with onboard computing platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson or Intel NUC.
• Experience with multi-UAV systems or cooperative navigation.
• Experience with learning‑based or perception‑driven navigation.

Soft Skills & Practical Aspects

• Strong problem‑solving and debugging skills.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Fluent English; other languages are a plus.
• Availability to travel occasionally for integration and field‑testing activities.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND BENEFITS:

Our laboratory is located in Cerdanyola del Vallès, just outside Barcelona (Spain). Barcelona, besides being easily connected to the rest of Europe, offers excellent quality of life and a vibrant robotics ecosystem rich with initiatives, research groups, robotics companies, and engaging events—with many more opportunities emerging continuously!

Additionally, we offer:

• Permanent contract.
• Hybrid work model (home office/office).
• Flexible working hours, shorter workdays on Fridays, and summer schedules.
• Flexible remuneration package (health insurance, transport, lunch, studies/training, and kindergarten).
• Professional growth through Eurecat Academy courses, weekly thematic sessions on Eurecat’s areas of knowledge, and language training (English, Catalan, Spanish).