Principal Robotics Engineer

Cleantech Industry Resources (CIR); Chennai; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance for employee and fam

Spot Recognition bonus

Long Term Incentive policy

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Cleantech Industry Resources is seeking a Drone and Robotics Engineer to develop automated inspection and monitoring solutions for solar assets. You will work with cross-functional teams to define use cases, integrate sensors, and ensure safe drone operations in regulated environments.

The role involves AI/ML-based imagery analysis, maintaining robotic systems, and ongoing technology upgrades to drive innovation and reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or similar.
• 5+ years’ experience designing, building and testing drones or robots—preferably for infrastructure inspection.
• Experience in extracting geometric features from point clouds and calculating structural dimensions.

Responsibilities

• Define automation use cases and requirements for drone/robotic systems.
• Integrate hardware and software: flight control, sensors, and ROS/PX4/ArduPilot frameworks.
• Plan and execute inspections for solar infrastructure with regulatory compliance.
• Process and analyze imagery: 3D photogrammetry, point clouds, hotspot detection.
• Conduct tests to verify performance and maintain systems; troubleshoot and maintain drones/robots.

Skills

Drones & robotics

ROS/PX4/ArduPilot

AI/ML for imagery

Point cloud processing

UAS regulations (DGCA/FAA)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Robotics/Mechatronics/Engineering

Tools

Pix4D/Metashape

GPS/LiDAR/Imu integration

Job description

Cleantech Industry Resources accelerates United States solar, battery storage and EV projects by providing turnkey development as a service including 100% internal systems engineering. The company deploys a leading team that spun out of the largest solar power producer in the world. This team operates within a sophisticated suite of software to support projects from land origination, through to commercial operation.

Location of Position:

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to join a top-notch, collaborative team of professionals
• Fantastic team environment and collaborative culture
• Professional development opportunities to grow into an industry leader
• Medical Insurance for the employee and family
• Spot Recognition bonus for exceptional performance
• Long Term Incentive policy
• Regular team outings, events, and activities to foster a positive work environment

Our Commitment to Diversity

At CIR, we are dedicated to nurturing a diverse and equitable workforce that truly reflects our community. We deeply value each person’s unique perspective, skills, and experiences. CIR embraces all individuals, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or nationality. We are steadfast in our commitment to fostering a just and inclusive world through intentional policies and actions. Your individuality enriches our collective strength, and we strive to ensure everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered.

Position Summary

As a Drone and Robotics Engineer at CIR, you will develop and deploy automated solutions for inspecting and monitoring solar assets. You'll work with cross-functional teams to define use cases, integrate sensors and flight control systems (ROS/PX4/ArduPilot), and ensure safe, regulation-compliant drone operations. Your role includes analyzing imagery using AI/ML, maintaining robotic systems, and driving innovation through continuous testing and technology upgrades.

Core Responsibilities

• Define automation use cases and requirements: Work with the automation and solar O&M teams to understand inspection and monitoring needs, translate them into robotics/drone system requirements and propose technical solutions.
• Integrate hardware and software: Develop flight control software and integrate GPS, LiDAR, thermal cameras and other sensors. Use ROS/PX4/ArduPilot frameworks to ensure reliable navigation and data capture.
• Plan and execute inspections: Plan flight paths and robotic missions for thermal imaging and visual inspections of panels, trackers and other infrastructure while complying with DGCA/UAS 2.0 regulations. Conduct preflight checks and ensure operational safety.
• Process and analyze data: High-Fidelity 3D Photogrammetry, Precision Point Cloud Generation, and Geometric Feature Extraction to process high-resolution and thermal imagery for hotspot detection, shading analysis and fault identification. Present results to stakeholders and integrate findings into maintenance workflows.
• Testing and quality assurance: Conduct laboratory and field tests to verify performance, identify mechanical/software issues and optimize system reliability before deployment.
• Maintenance & troubleshooting: Perform regular diagnostics, firmware updates and repairs on drones and robots. Establish maintenance schedules and keep detailed logs.
• Compliance & documentation: Ensure systems meet DGCA/FAA regulations and obtain necessary certifications. Produce documentation, standard operating procedures and training material for end-users.
• Innovation & research: Stay current with advancements in robotics, UAVs and AI; evaluate new sensors and technologies; and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and prototypes.
• Collaboration and training: Collaborate with software developers, GIS analysts and solar engineers; provide training to field technicians on robotic and drone operation; and communicate technical information clearly to nontechnical team members.

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or similar.

Technical Skills and Experience

Software Proficiency:

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or similar.
• 5+ years’ experience designing, building and testing drones or robots—preferably for infrastructure inspection .
• Experience in extracting geometric features from point clouds, such as roof pitch, façade dimensions, and calculating structural thickness from derived models."
• Expert-level proficiency in Photogrammetry and Point Cloud Processing: Deep, hands-on experience with commercial (e.g., Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape) or open-source photogrammetry software and libraries.
• Knowledge of AI/ML techniques for image and thermal data analysis.
• Proficiency in ROS/PX4/ArduPilot and sensor integration (RGB, GPS, IMUs, LiDAR)
• Understanding of UAS regulations and safety protocols (DGCA regulations in India, FAA Part 107 elsewhere).
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving; excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to take ideas and run with them from concept to conclusion.
• Technical understanding of clean energy business processes
• Exceptional verbal and writing communication skills with superiors, peers, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The physical demands of this job require an individual to be able to work at a computer for most of the day, be able to participate in conference calls and travel to team retreats on a time-to-time basis. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Conditions

The work environment is usually quiet (normal city traffic noises are common), a blend of artificial and natural light, temperate and generally supports a collaborative work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Cleantech Industry Resources, we embrace diversity and uphold a strong dedication to establishing an all-encompassing atmosphere for both our staff and associates. Our choices in employment are free from any bias related to race, creed, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, physical limitations, veteran status, or any other legally safeguarded attributes.

Being an integral part of Cleantech Industry Resources means you can expect to be immersed in a realm of professional possibilities within a culture that nurtures teamwork, adaptability, and the embracing of all.