Autopilot Engineer for UAV Flight Systems (C++/SITL)

FBI &TMT; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cutting-edge projects in Defence-Tech

Training and development opportunities

Collaborative engineering environment

Impactful, real-world applications

Job summary

FBI &TMT is seeking an Ardupilot Engineer to join a fast-moving Defence-Tech startup in the UK. You will own autopilot software across platforms, write embedded C++ for flight controllers, and tune control loops using real flight data.

Key tasks include SITL development, test planning, and hands-on flight testing to demonstrate robust, safe UAV performance in defence applications. Collaboration and rapid iteration are essential in this early-stage team.

Qualifications

• Experience with Ardupilot, PX4 or similar open-source autopilot stacks.
• Strong C++ for embedded flight controller software and reviews.
• Familiarity with UAV tuning, flight testing, and log analysis.
• Knowledge of UAV communication protocols (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, UDP, TCP).
• Ability to take a design from concept to tested, working implementation.

Responsibilities

• Own the autopilot software stack for multiple platforms and drive improvements.
• Write high-quality C++ code for embedded flight controllers.
• Tune PID loops and control systems using flight data and simulations.
• Develop and maintain SITL environments for code validation.
• Define and execute software test plans across bench, SITL, ground, and flight.
• Document software requirements and design decisions; support knowledge transfer.
• Engage in peer reviews and contribute to engineering standards.
• Participate in flight testing sessions to verify real-world performance.

Skills

ArduPilot

PX4

MAVLink

C++

Embedded systems

Flight testing

Log analysis

Safety-critical

Education

BSc or MSc in Engineering or related

Job description

FBI &TMT is seeking an Ardupilot Engineer to join a fast-moving Defence-Tech startup in the UK. You will own autopilot software across platforms, write embedded C++ for flight controllers, and tune control loops using real flight data.

Key tasks include SITL development, test planning, and hands-on flight testing to demonstrate robust, safe UAV performance in defence applications. Collaboration and rapid iteration are essential in this early-stage team.