UAV Prototyping Engineer
R&D
Tartu / Tallinn, Estonia
Full-time
We are looking for a hands-on UAV Prototyping Engineer who is highly proficient in building, integrating, and iterating multiple types of unmanned aerial vehicles, including multicopters, fixed-wing platforms, ISR UAVs, and FPV systems.
This role sits at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, and software prototyping. You will take designs from concept and documentation to fully assembled, flight-ready prototypes, working closely with design and test engineers. You are responsible for coordinating prototype manufacturing, assembling subsystems, integrating avionics and flight control software (PX4, ArduPilot, or similar), and keeping prototypes operational and testable.
You are expected to move fast, solve practical problems, and turn incomplete designs into flying hardware.
Сore responsibilities
Prototype Fabrication & Assembly
Manage the fabrication and assembly of UAV engineering prototypes.
Assemble airframes, propulsion systems, avionics, wiring, and payloads into flight-ready platforms.
Perform basic mechanical fabrication and modification (cutting, drilling, fitting, reinforcing).
Build and modify electronic assemblies, wiring harnesses, and power systems.
Ensure prototypes are assembled safely, cleanly, and in a way that supports rapid iteration.
Manufacturing & Procurement Coordination
Coordinate externally fabricated and sourced components required for UAV prototypes.
Order parts according to technical specifications and available documentation.
Provide hands-on feedback on manufacturability based on real prototype builds and supplier input.
Set and keep deadlines for turning designs into working, testable UAV systems.
Flight Control & Software Integration
Integrate and configure flight control systems (PX4, ArduPilot, or similar).
Support sensor integration, calibration, and basic tuning for flight testing.
Assist with firmware flashing, configuration, and troubleshooting during bring-up.
Design Feedback & Iteration
Provide direct feedback to design engineers on:
Manufacturability and ease of assembly
Reliability and robustness of designs
Serviceability and field repair considerations
Work closely with test engineers to identify and resolve mechanical, electrical, or integration issues discovered during ground and flight testing.
Prototype Maintenance & Support
Maintain and service engineering UAV prototypes.
Diagnose and fix what is broken after testing or field use.
Perform regular maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.
Maintain inventory of spare parts, tools, and consumables required for prototyping and testing.
Key Competencies & Skills
3+ years of professional experience in a relevant technical field.
Hands-on experience prototyping UAVs (multicopter, fixed-wing, FPV, ISR, or similar).
Working knowledge of PX4, ArduPilot, or comparable flight control platforms.
Practical experience across:
Mechanical systems and airframe assembly
Electronics, wiring, and power systems
Basic software/firmware integration and configuration
Strong troubleshooting skills; able to debug ambiguous, cross-disciplinary problems.
Comfortable working with incomplete information and evolving designs.
Strong communication skills — able to clearly explain issues, tradeoffs, and constraints to engineers and non-engineers.
Languages Needed
English (professional working proficiency)
Values Alignment
You resonate with our no-bullshit, high-accountability culture.
You are a builder who thrives in ambiguity, makes mission-first decisions, and prefers progress over perfection. You want your work to result in real flying hardware, not slides or endless iterations — and you want that work to matter to the team, the product, and the mission.
UAV Prototyping Engineer
R&D
Tartu / Tallinn, Estonia
Full-time
We are looking for a hands-on UAV Prototyping Engineer who is highly proficient in building, integrating, and iterating multiple types of unmanned aerial vehicles, including multicopters, fixed-wing platforms, ISR UAVs, and FPV systems.
This role sits at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, and software prototyping. You will take designs from concept and documentation to fully assembled, flight-ready prototypes, working closely with design and test engineers. You are responsible for coordinating prototype manufacturing, assembling subsystems, integrating avionics and flight control software (PX4, ArduPilot, or similar), and keeping prototypes operational and testable.
You are expected to move fast, solve practical problems, and turn incomplete designs into flying hardware.
Сore responsibilities
Prototype Fabrication & Assembly
Manage the fabrication and assembly of UAV engineering prototypes.
Assemble airframes, propulsion systems, avionics, wiring, and payloads into flight-ready platforms.
Perform basic mechanical fabrication and modification (cutting, drilling, fitting, reinforcing).
Build and modify electronic assemblies, wiring harnesses, and power systems.
Ensure prototypes are assembled safely, cleanly, and in a way that supports rapid iteration.
Manufacturing & Procurement Coordination
Coordinate externally fabricated and sourced components required for UAV prototypes.
Order parts according to technical specifications and available documentation.
Provide hands-on feedback on manufacturability based on real prototype builds and supplier input.
Set and keep deadlines for turning designs into working, testable UAV systems.
Flight Control & Software Integration
Integrate and configure flight control systems (PX4, ArduPilot, or similar).
Support sensor integration, calibration, and basic tuning for flight testing.
Assist with firmware flashing, configuration, and troubleshooting during bring-up.
Design Feedback & Iteration
Provide direct feedback to design engineers on:
Manufacturability and ease of assembly
Reliability and robustness of designs
Serviceability and field repair considerations
Work closely with test engineers to identify and resolve mechanical, electrical, or integration issues discovered during ground and flight testing.
Prototype Maintenance & Support
Maintain and service engineering UAV prototypes.
Diagnose and fix what is broken after testing or field use.
Perform regular maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.
Maintain inventory of spare parts, tools, and consumables required for prototyping and testing.
Key Competencies & Skills
3+ years of professional experience in a relevant technical field.
Hands-on experience prototyping UAVs (multicopter, fixed-wing, FPV, ISR, or similar).
Working knowledge of PX4, ArduPilot, or comparable flight control platforms.
Practical experience across:
Mechanical systems and airframe assembly
Electronics, wiring, and power systems
Basic software/firmware integration and configuration
Strong troubleshooting skills; able to debug ambiguous, cross-disciplinary problems.
Comfortable working with incomplete information and evolving designs.
Strong communication skills — able to clearly explain issues, tradeoffs, and constraints to engineers and non-engineers.
Languages Needed
English (professional working proficiency)
Values Alignment
You resonate with our no-bullshit, high-accountability culture.
You are a builder who thrives in ambiguity, makes mission-first decisions, and prefers progress over perfection. You want your work to result in real flying hardware, not slides or endless iterations — and you want that work to matter to the team, the product, and the mission.
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