UAV Systems Engineer (Drone Architect)

Skills

Ethics Infotech LLP is starting a new Drone (UAV) Development program under the R&D and Automation team. We are looking for a UAV Systems Engineer / Drone Architect to own the overall drone architecture and act as the systems integration lead for the program. This role sits at the intersection of the Mechanical team (Designer, Fitter) and the Electrical team (Electrical Engineer, Electronics Engineer, PCB Designer, Embedded Engineer, Power Electronics Engineer), translating requirements into a coherent, flyable aircraft design and coordinating execution across both teams.

Job Location: Vadodara

Office Hours: 09:30 am to 7 pm

Working Days: Mon – Sat

Weekly Off: 1st, 3rd & 5th Sat

Experience: 3+ Yrs

Role & Responsibilities

• Define the overall drone architecture: configuration selection (multirotor, fixed-wing, or VTOL), airframe layout, weight budget, and payload capacity based on mission requirements.
• Perform first-pass sizing calculations — motor and propeller selection, thrust-to-weight ratio, battery capacity vs. endurance/range trade-offs, and structural weight targets.
• Act as the technical bridge between the Mechanical team (airframe, lightweight structures) and the Electrical team (flight controller, power system, communications), ensuring subsystems integrate into a stable, airworthy design.
• Guide the Mechanical Designer on lightweight/composite airframe design principles (carbon fiber, 3D-printed parts) as the team transitions from heavier vehicle work to aerial structures.
• Coordinate with the Embedded Engineer and any Flight Controller/GNC resource on control system requirements, sensor placement (IMU, GPS, barometer), and flight envelope definition.
• Coordinate with the Power Electronics Engineer on ESC (motor driver) selection/design and overall power budget across flight controller, motors, and payload.
• Identify and track applicable DGCA regulatory requirements (Drone Rules 2021, UAS weight classification, certification needs) early in the design process and flag their impact on design decisions.
• Prepare drone-level specifications, layout drawings, and design review documentation for stakeholder and management review.
• Support prototype build, ground testing, and flight testing phases, working closely with mechanical and electrical teams during build and iteration.
• Escalate and coordinate with specialist consultants (RF/antenna design, aerodynamics, DGCA certification) where deeper domain expertise is required beyond this role's scope.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of aircraft/drone fundamentals: lift, thrust, weight budgeting, stability, and basic flight dynamics.
• Working knowledge of drone subsystems — motors, ESCs, propellers, flight controllers, batteries — at a systems level.
• Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks / Fusion 360 / CATIA or equivalent) for airframe layout and packaging.
• Familiarity with lightweight structural materials (carbon fiber, composites, 3D-printed polymers) and their design trade-offs.
• Basic awareness of DGCA drone regulations or willingness to quickly build this knowledge.
• Strong cross-functional communication skills to coordinate between mechanical and electrical/electronics teams.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced R&D environment with evolving requirements.

Good to Have

• Prior experience building and flight-testing multirotor or fixed-wing UAVs from concept to prototype stage.
• Exposure to open-source flight controller ecosystems (ArduPilot, PX4).
• Basic understanding of aerodynamics and/or simulation tools relevant to UAV design.
• Experience with DGCA certification processes or working with certification consultants.