Autonomy Engineer - UAVs

HavocAI • Boston, MA

36d

About The Position

We are seeking a UAV / GNC Autonomy Engineer with deep experience in unmanned aircraft systems, autopilot integration, and guidance-navigation-control (GNC) algorithm development. In this role, you will design, implement, and integrate autonomy behaviors onto UAV platforms, working closely with test teams, autonomy engineers, perception developers, and systems integrators. You will help shape HavocAI’s airborne autonomy architecture, connecting high-level mission logic with reliable low-level flight control.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Controls, or a related field.
• Strong background in GNC, flight control, or UAV systems.
• Hands-on experience with PX4, ArduPilot, or similar autopilot frameworks.
• Proficiency in C++ and ROS or ROS2 environments.
• Familiarity with EKF-based state estimation, sensor fusion, and navigation algorithms.
• Strong debugging skills in flight-test or autonomous robotics environments.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and eligible to obtain a Secret Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing aircraft dynamics models.
• Knowledge of GNSS, IMU, air data sensors, and low-latency sensor integration.
• Familiarity with UAV communications (MAVLink, DDS, CANbus-based avionics).
• Experience with multi-vehicle autonomy, formation flight, or swarm behaviors.
• Background integrating autonomy from simulation to flight hardware.
• Prior experience in defense or commercial UAV programs.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement GNC algorithms for quadrotor, fixed-wing, and VTOL UAV platforms.
• Integrate HavocAI’s autonomy stack with flight controllers such as PX4, ArduPilot, and other autopilots.
• Develop mission-level behaviors and flight logic linking autonomy decision-making to aircraft motion and control.
• Build software interfaces between aircraft sensors, navigation systems, and the autonomy framework.
• Conduct flight dynamics modeling, simulation, and performance analysis for UAV platforms.
• Support flight tests, tuning, and field operations, including debugging during live missions.
• Collaborate with hardware, avionics, and systems engineering teams on requirements and integration strategies.
• Develop documentation for configurations, tuning procedures, and flight-ready autonomy modules.

Benefits

• 100% Employer paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your families
• Life Insurance
• Ability to participate in the companies 401k program
• Unlimited PTO policy with an enforced 2 week minimum
• Equity Package
• Work / Home Office Stipend
• Global Entry
• 16 Week Paid Parental Leave
• Monthly Health and Wellness Stipend

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level