ArduPilot Engineer — Defence-Grade Flight Autopilot

Gattaca; Hereford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Gattaca is seeking an Ardupilot Engineer to join a fast-moving Defence-Tech startup in the United Kingdom. You will own the autopilot software stack, develop embedded flight controllers, and help optimise SITL environments for code validation.

The role requires hands-on experience with Ardupilot/PX4, MAVLink, Mission Planner, and UAV testing. You will work independently in a high-velocity R&D setting, contributing to safety-critical aerospace projects and Agile teams.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Ardupilot, PX4, or similar open-source autopilot stacks.
• Strong working knowledge of MAVLink, mission planning tools, and UAV communication protocols.
• Practical experience with UAV tuning, flight testing, and log analysis using Mission Planner or equivalent tools.
• Excellent proficiency in C++ for reading, writing, and reviewing code.
• Familiarity with embedded communication protocols CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, UDP, and TCP.
• Experience taking a design from concept to tested, working implementation.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Familiarity with Linux environments and Ardupilot SITL workflows.
• Experience with scripting languages like LUA and Python.
• Background in aeronautics or aerospace engineering.
• Knowledge of PID control loops, filters, and flight dynamics.
• Familiarity with safety-critical or defence software engineering standards.
• Experience working in an Agile development environment.
• BSc or MSc in Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Own the autopilot software stack for multiple platforms, leading improvements and troubleshooting issues.
• Write high-quality C++ code for embedded flight controllers, ensuring correctness and functionality.
• Tune PID loops and control systems based on real flight data and simulations.
• Develop and maintain SITL environments for code validation.
• Define and execute software test plans across bench, SITL, ground, and flight environments.
• Document software requirements and design decisions to ensure seamless knowledge transfer.
• Engage in peer reviews and contribute to internal engineering standards.
• Participate in flight testing sessions to ensure real-world performance.

Skills

Ardupilot

C++

PID tuning

SITL

Linux

Python

Lua

VCC/UAV protocols

Education

BSc or MSc in Engineering/CS

Tools

MAVLink

Mission Planner

Ardupilot SITL

CAN/SPI/I2C/UART

Linux environment

Lua

Python

Rust

Job description

Gattaca is seeking an Ardupilot Engineer to join a fast-moving Defence-Tech startup in the United Kingdom. You will own the autopilot software stack, develop embedded flight controllers, and help optimise SITL environments for code validation.

The role requires hands-on experience with Ardupilot/PX4, MAVLink, Mission Planner, and UAV testing. You will work independently in a high-velocity R&D setting, contributing to safety-critical aerospace projects and Agile teams.