Research Engineer

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

8d • CA$7,158 - CA$10,292 • Onsite

About The Position

The Drone Transport Initiative (DTI) is searching for a Research Engineer to lead the development and deployment of long-range medical drones. Specifically, this position will develop, implement, and flight test automated offline and online flight planners for long-range drone flight. This position acts as a key engineer for the autopilot system owning it’s design architecture and acts as a main interface between trainees, PIs, industry collaborators, regulators, and community partners in addition to preparing regulatory filings, scientific publication, and progress reports for funders and other interested parties.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Applied Science.
• Minimum of three years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in mechanical, electrical, robotics, or aerospace engineering
• Experience with flight testing (or field testing) or prototype systems and systems engineering
• Familiarity with ROS/ROS2
• Experience with software and Hardware in the loop testing

Responsibilities

• Designing analytical models, flight planning algorithms and control software for long-range drone operations.
• Designing and implementing the autopilot and flight control systems on multiple drone platforms, including: Path planning and flight control algorithm development, Integration of algorithms into onboard edge computing devices, Development and modification of embedded flight control software in embedded C/C++ using ROS/ROS2 or similar platforms, Verification, validation and testing of flight software (e.g., command and control module, PID and LQR controllers etc.), Integration of command & control modules with teleoperation and GPS modules.
• Conducting experiments and flight-testing activates to evaluate and improve autopilot system performance, including: Data management and analysis of flight performance and safety data, Oversee calibration, testing, and modification of flight control systems and related equipment, Preparation technical summaries and reports related to flight testing activities, Oversee maintenance and updating of autopilot software in response to test outcomes.
• Work with Transport Canada to gain flight approvals and provide required technical information and documentation.
• Preparing industrial, technical and scientific reports and communicating researching findings and testing outcomes of flight-testing program to project collaborators and partners.
• Providing technical advice to faculty, students, and collaborators related to autopilot systems, robotics, and flight-testing activities.
• Contributing in relevant workshops, conferences and collaborative research activities.

What This Job Offers

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