Drone Hardware Engineer

Job Title:

Drone Hardware Engineer

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

Employment Type:

Full-time

Salary Range:

From $100,000 to $125,000 depending on experience

About ThinkOrbital:

ThinkOrbital is developing ThinkXT, a first-of-its-kind drone-to-drone X-ray imaging system designed to enable rapid, flexible inspection of critical infrastructure and complex structures in the field. By combining advanced X-ray technology, autonomous aerial platforms, and purpose-built hardware, ThinkXT brings high-value inspection capabilities to locations that are difficult, dangerous, or costly to access using traditional methods. Our team is made up of driven engineers, scientists, and operators who thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on, mission-focused environment.

Position Summary:

We’re looking for a Drone Hardware Engineer to lead hardware selection, integration, and testing for our ThinkXT drone-to-drone X-ray system. This hands-on role will support the complete hardware stack, conduct system and flight testing, troubleshoot issues, and help mature ThinkXT into a reliable field-deployable product.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with the product and systems teams to translate product requirements into practical hardware solutions
• Select and evaluate commercial off-the-shelf drone hardware, including aircraft platforms, batteries, communication systems, cameras, gimbals, sensors, navigation hardware, and supporting ground equipment
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers to guide designs for hardware mounting, packaging, protection, cooling, and integration
• Integrate selected hardware into complete flight and ground systems, including electrical, mechanical, communication, and payload interfaces
• Develop and execute ground, flight, and system-level test plans to validate performance, reliability, and operational readiness
• Test and validate hardware supporting autonomous flight, drone-to-drone coordination, and X-ray imaging operations
• Troubleshoot integration and test issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
• Maintain bills of materials, hardware configurations, interface documentation, test records, and integration procedures
• Evaluate suppliers, manage technical communication with vendors, and support procurement and hardware availability decisions
• Support flight readiness reviews, field demonstrations, and safe operation of drone and X-ray systems

Mandatory Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in drones and sUAS systems
• FAA Part 107 License
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work hands-on in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership; able to take initiative, work independently, and tackle unfamiliar or ambiguous technical challenges with minimal guidance

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience integrating drone platforms, payloads, sensors, cameras, gimbals, communication systems, and ground-control equipment
• Familiarity with common autopilot ecosystems and ground-control software, such as PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl, or Mission Planner
• Experience developing and executing ground tests, flight tests, and system-level verification procedures
• Familiarity with autonomous flight, multi-vehicle operations, navigation systems, or drone-to-drone communication
• Familiarity with X-ray systems, radiation safety, nondestructive testing, or imaging payloads

What We Offer:

Competitive benefits and stock options

Health, Vision and Dental Insurance

Opportunity to shape next-generation space systems

A small, fast-moving team where your impact is tangible

Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person