PX4 Firmware & Flight Control Developer

Role Objective We are seeking a Mid-Senior PX4 Firmware Developer with 3–5 years of experience to design and optimize the flight control architecture for a high-performance, long-range UAV platform. You will lead the implementation of robust, real-time software that enables autonomous operations in GNSS-denied and contested environments. This role sits at the intersection of embedded systems and advanced GNC, requiring a developer who can translate complex control laws into deterministic, flight-ready code. Key Responsibilities Firmware Development: Architect and maintain custom modules within the PX4 Autopilot ecosystem, focusing on high-reliability and low-latency execution. GNC Implementation: Collaborate with GNC engineers to implement Advanced Guidance Laws (e.g., Proportional Navigation variants) and custom flight modes for autonomous mission phases. Middleware & Communication: Design and optimize the communication bridge between the flight controller and companion computers using micro-XRCE-DDS and ROS 2. Navigation Resilience: Modify and tune the PX4 EKF2/EKF3 to incorporate External Vision and Terrain-Referenced Navigation (TRN) updates for position resetting in GPS-denied areas. Sensor Fusion: Integrate and calibrate high-grade aerospace sensors, including Industrial IMUs, Air Data Systems, and specialized altimetry. Offboard Autonomy: Develop sophisticated logic for Offboard Mode to enable seamless transitions between manual, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous flight profiles. Validation & Testing: Lead SITL/HITL simulation efforts using Gazebo/Ignition to validate flight logic and failure handling before real-world deployment. Required Skills & Qualifications Experience: 3–5 years in embedded firmware, with a minimum of 2 years dedicated to the PX4 Autopilot stack and NuttX RTOS. Programming: Expert proficiency in C++11/14/17 for resource-constrained environments and Python for automation. Architecture: Deep understanding of uORB messaging, MAVLink protocol, and PX4 driver development. Control Theory: Solid grasp of PID control, state estimation, and Kalman Filtering as applied to fixed-wing or high-speed UAV dynamics. Middleware: Hands-on experience with ROS 2 (Humble/Foxy) and DDS-based communication layers. Debugging: Advanced skills with JTAG, GDB, and logic analyzers for low-level troubleshooting. Preferred Qualifications Experience working directly with GNC teams or control system engineers Experience with fixed-wing UAVs (especially tuning and navigation) Familiarity with EKF2/EKF3 and state estimation tuning Experience in SITL/HITL simulation (Gazebo, JMAVSim) Knowledge of ROS/ROS2 integration Understanding of aerospace dynamics and flight mechanics Experience working on mission-critical or defense-grade systems Exposure to DSMAC or vision-based navigation systems Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary based on experience Opportunity to work on advanced UAV systems Exposure to cutting-edge aerospace and autonomy technologies Personal Attributes Self-starter with a keen sense of initiative and ownership. Collaborative team player who enjoys working in a dynamic environment. Detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Passion for drones and unmanned aerial technology. Working Conditions This is a full-time position based in Bangalore, India that may require occasional evening or weekend work. May require travel to customer sites or other company locations. Salary And Benefits Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications. Health insurance. Paid time off and holidays. Opportunities for professional development and growth.