COMPANY PROFILE:
ideaForge is the leader in industrial and surveillance UAV manufacturing in India with more than 50% market share. The organization was established in 2007 by IIT-Bombay alumni and is based out of Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. ideaForge co-designed India’s first Surveillance quadrotor UAV, NETRA with the Defense Research & Development Organization (DRDO) and is also responsible for engineering the then world’s lightest Autopilot.
ideaForge develops completely indigenous technology for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Our organization is the pioneer in the UAS segment in India and has multiple IPs to its credit. Our in-house R&D, design, manufacturing, software, services and training operations give us the flexibility to customize products for an array of requirements. We are continually innovating and experimenting to transform our aerial platforms to offer greater performance, higher reliability and autonomy.
At ideaForge, our principle behind everything we design, and build is creating an impact – making the world a better and safer place. With this principle as our cornerstone, we have developed UAVs with unmatched global specifications. With this philosophy, we have consistently helped Indian Defense, Paramilitary & Police forces ensure the safety of our citizens and ultimately save precious lives.
POSITION OVERVIEW: As the Propulsion Team Lead, you will be the primary architect of the "Power Loop." You will own the entire lifecycle of the propulsion system—comprising the Motor, ESC, and Propeller—from initial conceptualization based on flight performance targets to final integration and troubleshooting. This is a high-visibility role requiring a blend of technical mastery, strategic vendor management, and cross-functional leadership. This role requires a "player-coach" mindset—someone who can negotiate with global vendors in the morning and perform high-precision bench testing independently in the afternoon.
JOB DESCRIPTION
- Design & Development: Drive the selection and customization of propulsion systems to meet stringent power-to-weight ratios and endurance targets for next-gen UAV platforms.
Systems Integration & Optimization: Ensure the seamless synergy between the Motor, ESC, and Propeller. You will be responsible for characterizing the propulsion system to achieve peak efficiency and reliability across the flight envelope.
Independent Testing: Hands-on execution of propulsion system characterization, including thrust-to-power mapping and thermal endurance.
Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management: Identify and vet global and domestic vendors for high-performance components.
Lead technical negotiations and manage relationships to ensure quality and supply chain resilience.
o Drive component customization (e.g., custom windings, specialized ESC firmware) to meet specific product needs.
o Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Act as the technical "detective" for propulsion-related failures or performance gaps. You will lead the investigation, identify the root cause, and implement permanent engineering solutions.
Cross-Functional Leadership (CFT): Represent the propulsion team in Cross-Functional Team meetings. You must translate complex propulsion data into actionable insights for the Airframe, Electronics, and Software teams.
Standards & Compliance: Establish and maintain internal propulsion standards and testing protocols to ensure every unit meets safety and performance benchmarks.
Interface design: Knowledge of modular interface design between propulsion unit and propulsion unit to UAV. Knowledge of CAD tools (Creo) is an added advantage.
PLM Integration- Experienced in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for version control, workflows, and digital thread management.
- Familiarity with Windchill PLM or equivalent for part structures
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
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Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, or Electronics Engineering (or a related field).
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Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in UAV propulsion or high-performance electric power systems.
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Technical Depth: Profound understanding of BLDC/PMSM motor theory, ESC commutation logic (FOC experience is a plus), and propeller aerodynamics.
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Expertise in using Dynamometers and data acquisition systems to map propulsion efficiency.
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Deep understanding of Power Electronics (MOSFET switching, Gate Drivers, FOC control) and Electromagnetics.
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Soft Skills: Proven ability to work independently and lead a small, high-impact team. You should be a persuasive negotiator and a clear communicator.
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Problem-Solving: A "first principles" approach to engineering challenges. You don''t just fix symptoms; you solve the underlying physics.
What Sets You Apart
- Experience with high-altitude or extreme-weather propulsion optimization.
- A background in negotiating complex supply agreements with international manufacturers.
- Active participation in the RC or drone racing community (we love people who fly what they build).
