Autopilot Engineer (Embedded)

TL;DR

Autopilot Engineer (Embedded): Developing and maintaining flight controller firmware for autonomous unmanned systems with an accent on low-level control loops, real-time performance, and hardware-software integration. Focus on tuning PID/LQR loops, optimizing NuttX/RTOS environments, and bridging high-level autonomy with embedded hardware.

Location: Berlin (Onsite)

Company

hirify.global is a defence technology company designing and manufacturing high-performance, software-defined unmanned systems for NATO Allies and partners.

What you will do

• Develop and maintain PX4-based autopilot firmware for unmanned platforms.
• Implement and tune low-level control loops including PID and LQR.
• Optimize real-time performance within NuttX/RTOS environments.
• Integrate sensor drivers and interface high-level autonomy via ROS2 and MAVLink.
• Perform hardware-software integration, calibration, and real-world flight testing.
• Debug complex issues across firmware, drivers, and hardware layers.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, or related field.
• Strong C/C++ programming skills for embedded and real-time systems.
• Deep understanding of flight dynamics, kinematics, and control principles.
• Hands-on experience with PX4, ArduPilot, and MAVLink protocol.
• Experience with embedded microcontrollers and sensor integration (IMU, GNSS, etc.).
• Ability to work onsite in Berlin.

Nice to have

• Experience with PX4 internals such as uORB and WorkQueues.
• Knowledge of uXRCE-DDS or ROS2 integration.
• Experience with hardware bring-up and PCB-level debugging.
• Familiarity with safety-critical systems and high-shock environments.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for control tuning.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge autonomous systems for European defence.
• Collaborative environment focused on deployable, high-performance technology.
• Direct involvement in the full lifecycle of unmanned systems from design to flight testing.