UAV Software Development - Manager/ Deputy Manager

ESP Engineered; Gurugram District; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

ESP Engineered is seeking a Manager/Deputy Manager for UAV Software Development in Gurugram. The role involves overseeing the end-to-end software development for UAV systems, including mission-critical software for autonomous operations. Candidates should have 5-8 years of experience in UAV technologies, strong programming skills in C/C++ and Python, and expertise in AI/ML integration. The position offers opportunities to work on innovative technologies in a growing global tech environment.

Qualifications

• 5 - 8 years of experience in UAV or autonomous systems.
• Strong experience with software architecture and development.
• Ability to collaborate in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and development of flight software.
• Guide AI/ML and computer vision pipelines.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Python programming

Embedded systems

UAV systems knowledge

AI/ML integration

Real-time systems

Military communication protocols

Documentation discipline

Education

B.Tech/ M.Tech/ MS in Computer Science, IT, Software, AI/ML, Mechanical, Electronics, Aerospace, Robotics

Tools

PX4

ROS/ROS2

Qt

Docker

Job description

UAV Software Development - Manager/ Deputy Manager

5 to 8 years

Gurugram

Full-Time

Job Description

KEY JOB DETAILS:

• Position Title: Manager/ Deputy Manager - Software Development
• Location: Gurgaon
• Experience Required: 5 - 8 Years
• Education: B.Tech/ M.Tech/ MS in Computer Science, IT, Software, AI/ML, Mechanical, Electronics, Aerospace, Robotics or related fields.
• Industry: R&D and Manufacturing of state‑of‑the‑art avionics‑grade, defense‑grade, and railway‑grade equipment

About Samtel

Samtel Avionics Ltd. (SA) is a key Indian player in high‑technology products for avionics and military applications, rugged displays, cockpit displays and equipment for military and commercial platforms. Samtel Avionics straddles the entire value chain from design, development, manufacture, testing, qualification, repair & maintenance to obsolescence management of avionics products and equipment. Its products and services include Multi‑Function Displays, Smart Multi‑Function Displays, Displays for commercial aircraft, Head Up Displays, Helmet Mounted Sight Displays, Automated Test Equipment, Multifunction Indicators: 3ATI & 4ATI, Optronics, Rugged displays for Land, Naval and Airborne platforms, Built‑to‑print/Built‑to‑Specs manufacturing, MRO services, and Obsolescence Management.

Samtel HAL Display Systems Ltd. (SHDS) is a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Samtel Avionics, and was created to address the avionics requirements including Test Benches and Systems for all HAL star platforms - both fixed and rotary wing. The Samtel‑HAL JV already enjoys the unique distinction of being the first public‑private partnership in defence avionics space in India to indigenously design, qualify and serial produce multifunction displays which are currently flying on Su‑30 MKI.

Role Overview

The Manager/ Deputy Manager – Software Development will lead the end‑to‑end development of mission critical software (MCS) for UAV and Loitering Munitions, including Autonomous Flight Control Systems, GCS Software, Payload integrations, Communication stacks, Swarming Architectures, Simulators, Computer Vision & Navigation and AI‑enabled mission applications.

Key Responsibilities

1. Software Architecture & Development

• Lead architecture, design and development of flight software, firmware development, onboard autonomy stack, mission planning and GCS applications.
• Drive implementation of real‑time systems (C/C++/RTOS) for autopilot, navigation, telemetry and vehicle control.
• Oversee development of middleware interfaces (ROS/ROS2, DDS, MAVLink, etc.)
• Drive UAV simulation environments using Gazebo, PX4 SITL/HITL, Mission Planner and custom simulators.

2. Autonomy, Swarming & Mission Systems

• Guide development of autonomous behaviours: waypoint missions, auto take‑off/landing, terrain‑following, swarm algorithms, MUM‑T integration, and loitering munition mission logic.
• Collaborate with AI/ML teams to integrate perception‑based features (object tracking, obstacle avoidance, target acquisition).
• Architect and lead development of swarming algorithms for multi‑UAV coordinated missions.
• Oversee design of intuitive and robust GCS interfaces (Qt/Python/C++/Web), mission planning tools and operator workflows.
• Implement secure datalinks, encryption and fail‑safe communication logic (LTE/Mesh/S[1]band/C‑band).

4. Integration with Hardware & Payloads

• Work with avionics, electronics and payload teams to integrate sensors, EO/IR gimbals, communication systems and weaponization modules (where applicable).
• Ensure seamless interface between software, flight controller and mission avionics.

5. Computer Vision, AI & Perception

• Guide development of AI/ML and computer vision pipelines on edge hardware (NVIDIA Jetson, RK3588, custom SBCs).
• Implement perception‑based capabilities, such as Object detection, tracking & classification, Target acquisition & image‑based guidance (for loitering munitions), etc.
• Work with data teams for dataset creation, training, testing and model optimisation.

6. Quality, Testing & Certification

• Document and enforce software development standards aligned with aerospace guidelines (DO-178C, DGCA, STANAG, JSS-55555, CEMILAC, military‑grade testing).
• Drive unit testing, automated testing, SIL/HIL setups, regression testing and continuous integration pipelines.
• Ensure cybersecurity compliance and secure coding practices.
• Build, mentor, and manage a multi‑disciplinary software engineering team.
• Drive sprint planning, code reviews, technical training and structured career growth.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability and problem‑solving.

8. Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with flight‑testing, mechanical, avionics, manufacturing and systems engineering teams.
• Support mission demonstrations, customer trials and field deployments.

Required Skills & Experience Technical Skills

• Strong programming expertise in C/C++, Python, and embedded systems.
• Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, ROS/ROS2, drone control stack and middleware.
• Familiarity with AI/ML integration for UAV systems.
• Deep understanding of aerodynamics, control systems, EKF/INS, SLAM, and navigational algorithms.
• Experience building GCS applications using Qt/QML or web technologies.
• Experience with military communication protocols & secure networking.
• Proven experience managing engineering teams and large software projects.
• Strong documentation discipline and understanding of certification workflows.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• B.Tech/ M.Tech/ MS in Computer Science, IT, Software, AI/ML, Mechanical, Electronics, Aerospace, Robotics or related fields.
• Minimum 5 - 8 years of experience in UAV or autonomous systems, defence, aerospace domains.
• Experience working in defence programmes (IAF/IA/IN/DRDO) or global OEM standards.
• Exposure to Loitering Munitions (LM), VTOL systems, Swarm UAVs or MUM‑T.
• Knowledge of DevOps (GitLab CI, Docker, Jenkins), cybersecurity and RTOS.

Personal Attributes

• Detail‑oriented with a proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• Comfortable working in cross‑functional, engineering‑focused teams.
• Curious and eager to stay updated with new technologies and component trends.

Why apply:

If you are looking for a role that combines technical ability and research thinking capacity within a cutting‑edge, growing Global tech business, then this could be the role for you. If you meet the requirements above, then we’d love to hear from you.