Swarm Drone Developer

IIT Bombay; Mumbai; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

IIT Bombay, Mumbai invites applications for a Project Research Staff role focused on drone swarm technologies. The government-funded project develops and demonstrates UAV algorithms, sensor fusion, and multi-robot coordination, with strong industry-academia collaboration and extensive training.

The role requires advanced degrees or equivalent experience, hands-on work with PX4/ArduPilot, ROS/ROS2, Python and C/C++, SITL testing, and integration on Jetson and STM32 boards.

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant experience or equivalent high-level qualification.
• MTech/ME or BE/BTech with relevant experience in UAVs and robotics.
• Experience developing swarm algorithms for UAV classes and SITL testing.
• Proficiency in Python, C/C++, MATLAB/Simulink, ROS/ROS2, Gazebo.
• Knowledge of PX4 and ArduPilot autopilot firmware; sensor fusion basics.
• Familiarity with Mission Planner, QGC, CubeIDE, CubeMX implementations.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop swarm algorithms and control systems for UAVs including multi-rotor, fixed-wing, and VTOL.
• Advance multi-agent coordination, formation flying and cooperative missions.
• Plan paths, avoid collisions and support distributed decision making.
• Work with multi-agent communication and low-latency data exchange.
• Integrate sensors (IMUs, GPS, LiDAR, cameras) and test hardware interfaces.
• Implement fail-safe logic, log telemetry, and analyze mission data.
• Integrate algorithms into onboard computers (Jetson, STM32).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and document design processes.

Skills

Swarm robotics

Path planning

Multi-agent coordination

Sensor fusion

Programming

ROS/ROS2

MATLAB/Simulink

Gazebo

PID control

MPC

PX4/ArduPilot

Education

PhD

MTech/ME

BTech/BE

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

Mission Planner

QGC

CubeIDE

CubeMX

Python

C/C++

ROS/ROS2

MATLAB/Simulink

Gazebo

Job description

Location: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai

Job Category: Project Research Staff

About the project:

The Government-funded project focuses on the development and demonstration of drone and allied technologies. With applications spanning various sectors, the initiative le…ter technologies and infrastructure. It aims to foster strong industry-academia collaborations to address real-world challenges and drive innovation. Comprehensive training programs are an integral component, ensuring awareness and proficiency in drone operations.

Institute:

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Mumbai

Qualification and Key Skills Required:

• PhD in relevant experience OR
• MTech / ME or equivalent with relevant experience OR
• BTech / BE or equivalent with relevant experience
• Experience of developing algorithms for swarm, path planning / guidance system, control system, navigation / sensor fusion, and implementing them with different classes of UAVs including Multi-rotor / Fixed-wing / VTOL
• Test and validate the developed algorithms in SITL simulation environment, that has close resemblance to actual flight environment scenario
• Experience of various control laws and strategies, specifically PID, MPC, etc.
• Familiarity with autopilot firmware, like PX4 and ArduPilot
• Sensor selection for specific UAV application along with knowledge of sensor fusion process for increased accuracy and reliability
• Knowledge of drones / aerial robots with regards to control and stability aspects of them
• Proficiency in programming languages, simulation and modelling tools (Python, C/CPP, MATLAB/Simulink, ROS/ROS2, Gazebo etc.)
• Softwares: Mission Planner, QGC, CubeIDE, CubeMX

Job Profile:

• Design and develop swarm algorithms and control system for different class of UAVs including Multi-rotor / Fixed-wing / VTOL.
• Knowledge of multi agent coordination, formation flying and cooperative missions.
• Knowledge of path planning, collision avoidance and distributed decision making algorithms
• Experience with multi agent communication, communication protocols and low latency data exchange.
• Integrate and calibrate various sensors (like IMUs, GPS, Barometer, LiDAR, Radars, Camera and Optical flow sensor) with knowledge on communication protocols for hardware interfacing
• Fail-safe logic and emergency handling techniques for error-free operation of the swarm of drones
• Logging and analysis of telemetry and onboard sensor data, required for post processing study of drone missions carried out
• Integration of the developed algorithms into onboard companion computers (Jetson, STM32 processor based boards)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance the capabilities of UAV systems
• Maintain a Proper documentation of design process, test results, modifications in algorithms and provide technical reports
• Any other work assigned as per requirement.