Drone Controls Engineer

Syos Aerospace; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering autonomous vehicle company based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, seeks a Drone Control Engineer to develop advanced flight control algorithms for UAVs. Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and over 3 years of experience in drone controls. This role offers a dynamic environment with competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for growth in a vibrant tech community.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for career growth

Visa sponsorship for international candidates

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in drone controls, robotics, or autonomous systems.
• Hands-on experience with UAV flight testing.
• Strong understanding of feedback control systems and gain tuning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine flight control algorithms for UAVs.
• Implement, tune, and test control loops in PX4 / Ardupilot autopilot stacks.
• Perform HIL testing, flight testing, and post-flight data analysis.

Skills

Drone controls

Robotics

Autonomous systems

C/C++

Python/Matlab

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Robotics, Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

PX4

Ardupilot

Job description

Drone Controls Engineer

About Syos

Syos is a pioneering company focused on developing industry-leading utilitarian autonomous vehicles across air, land, and sea. Syos' family of utilitarian vehicles are all powered by Syos’ control system with various advanced computer vision, swarming, and communication systems.

We are looking for a Drone Control Engineer to work on autopilot implementation, tuning, and testing for small to mid-sized UAV platforms. This is a hands-on role for an engineer excited to bridge theory and practice in real-world drone operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine flight control algorithms for UAVs, including stability augmentation, waypoint navigation, and payload control.
• Implement, tune, and test control loops in PX4 / Ardupilot autopilot stacks.
• Integrate and interface with sensors (GPS, IMU, cameras, LiDAR, magnetometer).
• Perform HIL testing, flight testing, and post-flight data analysis to validate performance.
• Troubleshoot and improve system robustness in challenging conditions.
• Collaborate with software and hardware engineers on embedded integration.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Robotics, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or similar.
• 3+ years of experience in drone controls, robotics, or autonomous systems.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and scripting languages (Python/Matlab) for controls and data analysis.
• Experience with PX4, Ardupilot, or similar autopilot systems.
• Strong understanding of feedback control systems and gain tuning.
• Hands-on experience with UAV flight testing.

Nice to Have

• Advanced degree (MSc/PhD) in relevant fields.
• Familiarity with ROS, Gazebo, or other robotics frameworks.
• Experience with vehicle dynamics modeling and simulation.
• Knowledge of functional safety standards for autonomous systems.

What We Offer

• A dynamic and fast-paced environment working on state-of-the-art UxV technology.
• Opportunities for career growth in a high-tech, innovative team.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Continuous learning opportunities.
• Visa sponsorship for international candidates.

How to Apply:

If you are a passionate Drone Controls Engineer who is excited about the future of autonomous vehicle technology and has a proven track record of success in your field, please apply now and we will be in touch if you are successful.

Location:

This position is based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. Known for its stunning surf beaches, vibrant culture, and burgeoning tech scene, Mount Maunganui offers an excellent quality of life and a conducive environment for innovation.

Please note: We kindly ask that recruiters and recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this role. Thank you!