Systems Engineer (UAV)

About the Role

• Core Focus: Designing complex, end-to-end Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) architecture.
• System Integration: Hardware, software, avionics, sensors, and communication systems integration.

Join the leader in Ukrainian unmanned aviation!

SPE “Athlon Avia”, a full-cycle Ukrainian research and production enterprise developing advanced UAV technologies, is seeking a skilled Systems Engineer / UAV System Engineer to join our growing engineering team.

Core Responsibilities

• System Architecture & Requirements: Define technical specifications and design scalable, modular, and reliable UAV architectures (hardware, embedded software, communication layers).
• Concept & Subsystem Integration: Conceptualize product architectures; select, test, and integrate core subsystems (avionics, sensors, radio links, antennas, power management, propulsion) to ensure seamless functional compatibility.
• Technical Project Leadership: Act as the Lead Systems Architect. Decompose technical goals and assign tasks across multidisciplinary engineering teams (electronics, mechanical design, embedded software, testing, and production).
• Validation & Documentation: Review and validate outputs from adjacent engineering departments against technical specifications. Draft comprehensive project documentation (technical proposals, engineering calculations, test protocols) and approve design blueprints.
• Flight Stack Optimization: Fine-tune and configure flight control stacks; optimize flight dynamics, in-air stability, and resistance to external interference. Analyze telemetry data and flight logs.
• Testing & Field Trials: Design ground and flight test scenarios. Participate directly in factory and field trials to verify system reliability, performance, and compliance with standards.

Candidate Qualifications & Requirements

Mandatory Skills & Competencies:

• Deep understanding of complex Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) architecture.
• Hands-on expertise integrating hardware and software in complex engineering systems.
• Strong grasp of interactions between key components: flight stacks, sensors, payloads, power management systems, propulsion, and communication modules.
• Experience configuring and tuning flight controllers based on ArduPilot or PX4 firmware, as well as working with telemetry, flight logs, and analytical software tools.
• Proficiency in communication protocols and data interfaces: MAVLink, UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, MSP, Ethernet.
• Practical experience configuring and integrating RF communication architectures.
• Proficiency in technical documentation drafting (architectural requirements, schematics, test plans, trial reports, user manuals).
• Strong technical decision-making, autonomy, and cross-functional synchronization capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex hardware and software bugs.
• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aviation/Aeronautical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electronics, Computer Science, or Embedded Systems.

Desired Work Experience:

• 2+ years of experience in systems engineering at the intersection of hardware and software solutions.
• Mandatory hands-on experience in projects involving UAVs (fixed-wing or multirotor), aviation, robotics, or military hardware.
• Proven track record managing all product lifecycle stages—from requirements gathering and concept design to field trials and serial manufacturing deployment.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional engineering teams.
• Language Proficiency: Intermediate (B1) level of English or higher for reading technical documentation and international communication.

Nice to Have:

• Technical mentorship or engineering team leadership experience.
• Understanding of navigation algorithms, real-time UAV control, and Electronic Warfare (EW) mitigation techniques.
• Experience integrating complex payloads, camera gimbals, computer vision (CV) modules, and advanced sensors.
• PCB design and schematics development skills.
• Basic 3D modeling skills.
• C/C++ or Python programming skills (algorithm development, debugging, and code optimization).
• Familiarity with international and defense standardization framework standards: MIL-STD, ISO, STANAG, EUROCAE.

What We Offer

• Formal Employment & Full Social Package: Official employment from Day 1 in compliance with Ukrainian labor laws, including paid annual leave, sick leave, and full social security protection.
• Competitive Compensation: Transparent salary reviews tied to market dynamics to ensure fair remuneration.
• Career Growth & Professional Development: Vertical and horizontal career mobility backed by long-term corporate partnership.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Work alongside industry experts in a dynamic, high-tech defense sector.
• 100% Covered Medical Insurance: Full health insurance coverage prioritizing employee physical and mental well-being.
• 100% Covered English Classes: Corporate language training to help you maintain or enhance your English skills.
• Military Reservation (Deferment): Official deferment processing initiated starting from your first day of employment.
• Comfortable On-Site Workspace: Well-equipped office with a secure shelter, located within comfortable walking distance from a subway station.

P.S. Your CV will be reviewed by our recruiting team within 2 business days. If your background aligns with our expectations, we will reach out promptly.