UAV Hardware engineer

At SpectX, we design and build advanced autonomous drone systems for offshore wind, infrastructure inspection, maritime operations, and beyond. From aerial X-ray inspection to swarm-based sea state sensing, our projects combine robust hardware, modular software, and scalable architectures.

To expand our hardware development team, we are looking for a UAV Hardware Engineer to lead the design, integration, and testing of our next-generation drones.

As a UAV Hardware Engineer at SpectX, you will:

• Define system-level requirements for VTOL drones (payload, endurance, environmental robustness).
• Develop aerodynamic and mechanical designs, from initial concepts to finalized CAD models.
• Select, procure, and integrate hardware components (airframe, motors, batteries, avionics, sensors).
• Integrate and configure the PX4 flight controller stack, including hardware/software interfaces.
• Conduct ground testing of propulsion, sensors, and VTOL transition systems.
• Peform flight testing
• Analyze test data, evaluate performance, and refine system configurations.
• Document designs, test results, and integration workflows for reuse across projects.

• MSc in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Strong experience with aerodynamic design, CAD modeling, and hardware integration .
• Hands-on experience assembling and testing UAVs, preferably VTOL or hybrid configurations.
• Familiarity with open-source autopilot stacks (PX4, Ardupilot, etc.).
• Proficiency with hardware testing tools and methods (motor thrust stands, sensor calibration).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a structured engineering approach.

• Experience with lightweight composite structures and UAV prototyping.
• Knowledge of power systems, batteries, and thermal management for UAVs.
• Exposure to safety-critical design, redundancy, and failsafe protocols.
• Experience with UAV flight testing campaigns and data post-processing.
• Familiarity with avionics integration, C2 links, or ROS2-based system architectures.
• Knowledge on fixed wing VTOL drones

• The opportunity to design and fly cutting-edge VTOL UAVs with direct applications in offshore wind and maritime operations.
• A collaborative environment where rapid prototyping and rigorous engineering meet.
• Be part of a mission-driven team shaping the future of cooperative aerial robotics.