Principal Robotics Engineer

About ADASI

ADASI is the regional leader in autonomous systems and services, dedicated to offering holistic solutions – from the development and production of unmanned systems to joint mission analysis and careful equipment acquisition. ADASI manufactures, operates and maintains next-generation autonomous solutions for air, land and sea – capable of performing in a diverse range of demanding environments. Leveraging advanced technologies to comply with the tactical demands of the future, ADASI aims to be a world leader in building the next generation of autonomous capabilities. 

Job Title: Principal Robotics Engineer

Job Purpose

To lead the design, development, and integration of advanced control software for autonomous and semi-autonomous unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid loitering munitions. The Principal Robotics Control Engineer will play a critical role in architecting control algorithms, ensuring flight stability, mission execution, and guidance, while mentoring junior engineers and aligning technical strategies with program goals.

Qualifications & Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (Master’s or PhD preferred).
• 8+ years of experience in robotics or autonomous systems, with at least 3 years in a lead or principal engineering role.
• Deep understanding of control systems theory, flight dynamics, and embedded software.
• Experience working on defense or aerospace projects involving UAS.

Job Responsibilities

• Architect, develop, and validate control and navigation modules for UAS platforms, including loitering munitions and hybrid aerial vehicles.
• Lead control system design for stability, guidance, and mission execution under both GPS and GPS-denied conditions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware, avionics, and mission planning teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Supervise and mentor a team of control and robotics engineers, reviewing code, designs, and test plans.
• Design simulation environments and support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace and defense industry standards.
• Contribute to technical documentation, interface specifications, and certification efforts.
• Participate in system-level architecture reviews and design milestone gates (PDR, CDR, etc.).

Technical Skills

• Proficient in C/C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink for control algorithm development.
• Strong background in control theory, PID tuning, model predictive control (MPC), and adaptive control techniques.
• Deep understanding of flight dynamics for fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid UAVs.
• Experience with PX4, ROS/ROS2, and RTOS-based embedded systems.
• Familiarity with estimation techniques such as EKF, UKF, and sensor fusion methods (IMU, GPS, vision).
• Hands-on experience with simulation tools (Gazebo, FlightGear, or custom environments).
• Understanding of safety-critical systems and experience with DO-178C or MIL-STD development environments.
• Knowledge of swarm behavior, waypoint navigation, and mission planning systems is a plus.

Soft Skills

• Strategic thinker with the ability to align technical decisions to mission objectives.
• Excellent leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and reporting.
• Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail and system-level understanding.
• Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced, mission-critical environments.
• Willingness to take ownership and drive solutions from concept to deployment.

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