Role Overview
We are seeking a Senior AI Engineer to lead the development of advanced autonomy and terminal engagement capabilities for high-performance UAV systems. You will architect the "brains" of the platform, focusing on vision-based navigation and high-precision terminal guidance in contested, GNSS-denied environments.
This role requires a "system-first" mindset: designing real-time intelligence that functions in complex, degraded environments where reliability is non-negotiable. You will work at the deep intersection of PX4, ROS 2, and custom Computer Vision pipelines to ensure mission success from launch to impact.
Key Responsibilities
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Terminal Guidance & Optimal Control: Design and implement Advanced Proportional Navigation and augmented guidance laws. Develop logic to compensate for dynamic targets, vehicle bank-to-turn constraints, and time-to-go estimation.
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Mission Phase Transitions: Architect the state machine for transitioning from mid-course cruise (utilizing Terrain-Referenced Navigation or VIO) to terminal "seeker" mode. Implement robust Line-of-Sight (LOS) rate estimation using filtered vision data.
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Long-Endurance Navigation: Develop GNSS-denied solutions using low-drift Visual-Inertial Odometry (VIO) and Global Pose Graph Optimization to minimize drift over long-range profiles (300km+).
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PX4 & ROS 2 Integration: Lead the communication architecture using micro-XRCE-DDS. Develop ROS 2 nodes to command PX4 in Offboard Mode, translating guidance commands into high-frequency attitude and thrust setpoints.
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Scene-Based Localization: Optimize feature-matching and classical image-correlation pipelines for absolute position updates, feeding corrections directly into the PX4 EKF.
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Robust Perception & Target Acquisition: Lead the strategy for detection and classification under environmental shift (low light, haze, and seasonal changes), ensuring the system can lock onto targets in degraded conditions.
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High-Rate Control Loops: Optimize the "Vision-to-Actuator" pipeline to minimize latency, ensuring stable guidance during high-dynamic maneuvers.
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SITL/HITL Validation: Use Gazebo/Ignition to simulate high-dynamic terminal intercepts and validate miss-distance requirements.
Required Skills & Qualifications
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Experience: 5–10 years in AI/ML or Aerospace GNC; specific experience in Precision Guided Munitions (PGM) or autonomous loitering munitions is highly preferred.
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Guidance & Control: Expert understanding of Kinematic Guidance, PRONAV (APN/IPN), and closing the loop between a vision-based "Seeker" and flight control surfaces.
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PX4/ROS 2 Mastery: Deep experience with the PX4 architectural stack, MAVLink, and ROS 2 (Foxy/Humble). Proven ability to modify PX4 firmware or EKF parameters for external vision integration.
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Mathematics: Strong foundation in Optimal Estimation (Kalman Filters), Coordinate Transformations (ECEF/NED/Body), and 6-DOF flight dynamics.
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Software: Expert C++17/20 and Python. Experience with SIMD optimization (Neon/AVX) for running vision-based guidance at 30Hz+ on the edge.
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State Estimation: Experience fusing VIO, IMU, and Altitudinal data to maintain a stable state estimate during high-G terminal maneuvers.
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Hardware: Hands-on experience with NVIDIA Jetson (Orin/Xavier) and interfacing with gimbled or fixed-mount camera systems.
Key Competencies
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Strong system-level thinking across perception, AI, and control
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Ability to translate research into deployable, real-time systems
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Leadership in ambiguous, high-stakes engineering environments
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Deep problem-solving capability under constraints
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Ownership mindset with focus on performance and reliability
Personal Attributes:
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Self-starter with a strong sense of initiative
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Collaborative team player who enjoys working in a dynamic environment
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Detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
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Passion for drones and unmanned aerial technology
Working Conditions:
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This is a full-time position based in Bangalore that may require occasional evening or weekend work
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May require travel to customer sites or other company locations
Salary and Benefits:
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Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
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Health insurance
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Paid time off and holidays
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Opportunities for professional development and growth
