Forward Deployed Engineer

• Operate in a highly hands-on environment with evolving system requirements, rapidly iterating across hardware and software integration challenges.
• Manage software releases and perform firmware flashing and configuration using PX4 or adjacent autopilot ecosystems, including sensor calibration, ESC tuning, and system bring-up.
• Provide deep avionics and airframe expertise, including autopilot tuning, sensor and payload integration, power systems and airworthiness considerations.
• Work independently to troubleshoot integration and flight-readiness issues while collaborating cross-functionally with hardware engineering, firmware/software teams, operations, and QC engineering to escalate complex challenges when required.
• Act as the primary technical authority in customer engagements, translating mission requirements into concrete system architectures and demonstrable solutions built on AuterionOS and Skynode.
• Participate in flight testing activities to validate platform stability, safety, and mission performance, resolving technical issues often directly in the field during customer trials and demonstrations.
• Contribute to technical documentation and continuous improvement of engineering processes.
• Feed customer and market requirements back into product and engineering teams to influence the roadmap of the Auterion stack.

Qualifications and Skills

• Degree in Software, Aviation, Robotics, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (M.Sc. optional).
• Experience working with autopilots (ideally based on PX4), mission planning and navigation software, for example performing firmware flashing, vehicle configuration, and flight validation.
• Familiarity with UAV flight testing, system validation, and troubleshooting in real-world operational environments is a plus.
• Understanding of control theory, flight control, plus manufacturing and QC best practices.
• Basic mechanical system and design experience as well as an understanding of fundamental electronics principles including wiring diagrams.
• Solid understanding of embedded communication protocols (CAN, I2C, SPI, etc.) and computer networking principles, firmware debugging, and hardware-software integration.
• Proficiency in C/C++ development and working knowledge of datalink protocols, experience with MAVLink and Python is a plus.
• Familiarity with Linux-based development and debugging environments, including Docker.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills when working with cross-functional engineering and operations teams.
• Proven ability to operate as a technical lead in front of customers, including live demonstrations and field troubleshooting.
• Ability to work independently in fast-paced environments with evolving technical challenges, showing strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for drone technology and a hands-on engineering mindset focused on building reliable flying systems.
• Willingness to travel for on-site integration, testing, and deployment activities.
• EU citizenship required.