MAVLink & Autopilot Engineer

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

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

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

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