As MAVLink & Autopilot Engineer, you will design, integrate, and harden the autopilot and communication stack for Alta Ares' UAS platforms, including both fixed-wing and multi-rotor systems. You will own the full MAVLink integration layer, customize ArduPlane and ArduCopter firmware, and collaborate on GNC and autonomous behavior integration. The role involves hands-on field testing and validation on live airframes, splitting time between coding and flight line work.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and maintain MAVLink-based communication pipelines between onboard systems, GCS, and ground infrastructure
Develop custom MAVLink messages, dialects, and extensions tailored to Alta Ares' operational requirements
Build and maintain MAVLink parsers, routers, and middleware layers in C++ and Python
Integrate MAVLink with onboard AI inference engines, sensor fusion modules, and mission management systems
Ensure communication robustness in degraded RF environments, high-latency links, and GNSS-denied conditions
Contribute to the development and maintenance of Alta Ares' GCS interface and telemetry dashboards
Own the integration and customisation of ArduPlane and ArduCopter firmware for Alta Ares' fixed-wing and multi-rotor platforms
Develop and tune custom flight modes, mission logic, and failsafe behaviours adapted to defence operational requirements
Implement and validate custom navigation, loiter, and search patterns for ISR missions
Integrate external sensors and payloads into the ArduPilot ecosystem: optical systems, RF sensors, AI inference boards
Maintain a clean, well-documented fork of ArduPilot with Alta Ares-specific modifications and upstream contribution where appropriate
Conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing prior to live flight validation
Collaborate with GNC engineers to integrate guidance, navigation, and control algorithms into the ArduPilot stack
Implement and validate autonomous behaviours: waypoint following, target tracking, dynamic re-tasking, and terminal phase logic
Develop companion computer interfaces (Raspberry Pi, Jetson, or equivalent) communicating with the autopilot via MAVLink
Support the integration of AI-driven decision layers with the autopilot for semi-autonomous and autonomous mission execution
Ensure deterministic, predictable behaviour under edge cases and failure modes
Lead or actively participate in ground testing, bench testing, and live flight test campaigns
Define test plans, acceptance criteria, and regression test suites for autopilot and MAVLink stack
Debug in-flight anomalies from log analysis (DataFlash, telemetry logs) and implement fixes rapidly
Support operational deployments and live demonstrations — including in austere field environments
Translate field feedback from operators and military users into concrete engineering improvements
Maintain comprehensive technical documentation: architecture diagrams, interface specifications, test reports, and integration guides
Define and enforce coding standards, review processes, and versioning practices for the autopilot and MAVLink codebase
Support junior engineers and share expertise across the embedded and software teams

Requirements

4–5 years of experience in embedded systems, UAS development, or robotics — with a strong focus on autopilot systems and MAVLink
Demonstrated hands-on experience with ArduPlane and/or ArduCopter on real airframes — not just simulation
Deep expertise in MAVLink protocol: message design, dialect customisation, routing, and integration
Proven track record integrating companion computers with flight controllers in operational or near-operational UAS
Experience with both fixed-wing and multi-rotor platforms is required
C++ and Python development in embedded and companion computer contexts
ArduPilot firmware customisation: flight modes, failsafes, mission logic, parameter tuning
MAVLink protocol: custom dialects, message routing, parser development
HIL/SIL testing with ArduPilot SITL and compatible simulators (Gazebo, JSBSim, RealFlight)
Flight log analysis: DataFlash logs, MAVLink telemetry, and post-flight debugging
Companion computer integration: serial/UART, USB, and network-based MAVLink links
Git-based development workflows in a collaborative engineering environment

Nice to have

Prior work in defence, dual-use, or operational UAS environments is a strong plus