Head of R&D (UAV)

TL;DR

Head of R&D (UAV/Robotics): Leading the development lifecycle of advanced unmanned aerial systems with an accent on synchronizing hardware and software engineering streams across international teams. Focus on driving the R&D roadmap, executing strategic OKRs, and ensuring system architecture synergy for field-ready military solutions.

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Company

hirify.global is a European defence technology company specializing in the development and production of advanced UAV systems, including the Virtus VTOL loitering munition platform.

What you will do

• Drive the R&D roadmap and execute product strategy for both hardware and software development streams.
• Define and cascade strategic OKRs to engineering teams to ensure clear focus and measurable outcomes.
• Oversee system architecture across embedded systems, electronics, mechanics, and software to ensure technical synergy.
• Act as the primary technical bridge between Ukrainian R&D forces and European counterparts.
• Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team of electronics, mechanics, embedded, and software engineers in Ukraine.
• Optimize engineering workflows using Jira and Confluence for transparent project tracking and reporting.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in engineering or R&D leadership within UAVs, robotics, aerospace, or complex mechatronic systems.
• Deep expertise in the architecture and technologies of unmanned and autonomous systems.
• Proven track record of leading multidisciplinary HW/SW engineering teams and managing R&D budgets.
• Strong experience with OKR frameworks and tracking milestones from concept to deployment.
• English: Fluent or Upper-Intermediate proficiency required for continuous synchronization with European stakeholders.
• Location: Must be based in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Nice to have

• Direct background in Defense Tech or advanced aerospace projects.
• Experience bringing prototypes into low-rate initial production (LRIP).
• Knowledge of certification, compliance, and testing standards for military or industrial UAVs.

Culture & Benefits

• Work within an international company with a strong presence in both Ukraine and Europe.
• Opportunity to drive innovation in the cutting-edge field of defense technology.
• Collaborative environment bridging multidisciplinary engineering domains.
• High-impact role acting as the "technical conductor" for next-generation unmanned systems.