Manager - Software Development (UAV)

5 years

0 Lacs

Posted:1 day ago| Platform: Linkedin logo

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Work Mode

On-site

Job Type

Full Time

Job Description

Title: Manager / Deputy Manager – Software Development

Role Overview

The Manager/ Deputy Manager – Software Development will lead the end-to-end development of mission critical software (MCS) for UAV and Loitering Munitions, including Autonomous Flight Contol Systems, GCS Software, Payload integrations, Communication stacks, Swarming Architectures, Simulators, Computer Vision & Navigation and AI-enabled mission applications.

Key Responsibilities

Software Architecture & Development

  • Lead architecture, design and development of flight software, firmware development, onboard autonomy stack, mission planning and GCS applications.
  • Drive implementation of real-time systems (C/C++/RTOS) for autopilot, navigation, telemetry and vehicle control.
  • Oversee development of middleware interfaces (ROS/ROS2, DDS, MAVLink, etc.)
  • Drive UAV simulation environments using Gazebo, PX4 SITL/HITL, Mission Planner and custom simulators.

Autonomy, Swarming & Mission Systems

  • Guide development of autonomous behaviours: waypoint missions, auto take-off/landing, terrain-following, swarm algorithms, MUM-T integration, and loitering munition mission logic.
  • Collaborate with AI/ML teams to integrate perception-based features (object tracking, obstacle avoidance, target acquisition).
  • Architect and lead development of swarming algorithms for multi-UAV coordinated missions.

Ground Control Systems (GCS)

  • Oversee design of intuitive and robust GCS interfaces (Qt/Python/C++/Web), mission planning tools and operator workflows.
  • Implement secure datalinks, encryption and fail-safe communication logic (LTE/Mesh/S-band/C-band).

Integration with Hardware & Payloads

  • Work with avionics, electronics and payload teams to integrate sensors, EO/IR gimbals, communication systems and weaponization modules (where applicable).
  • Ensure seamless interface between software, flight controller and mission avionics.

Computer Vision, AI & Perception

  • Guide development of AI/ML and computer vision pipelines on edge hardware (NVIDIA Jetson, RK3588, custom SBCs).
  • Implement perception-based capabilities, such as, Object detection, tracking & classification, Target acquisition & image-based guidance (for loitering munitions), etc.
  • Work with data teams for dataset creation, training, testing and model optimization.



Quality, Testing & Certification

  • Document and enforce software development standards aligned with aerospace guidelines (DO-178C, DGCA, STANAG, JSS-55555, CEMILAC, military-grade testing).
  • Drive unit testing, automated testing, SIL/HIL setups, regression testing and continuous integration pipelines.
  • Ensure cybersecurity compliance and secure coding practices.

Team Leadership

  • Build, mentor, and manage a multi-disciplinary software engineering team.
  • Drive sprint planning, code reviews, technical training and structured career growth.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, accountability and problem-solving.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Collaborate with flight-testing, mechanical, avionics, manufacturing and systems engineering teams.
  • Support mission demonstrations, customer trials and field deployments.


Required Skills & Experience

Technical Skills

  • Strong programming expertise in C/C++, Python, and embedded systems.
  • Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, ROS/ROS2, drone control stack and middleware.
  • Familiarity with AI/ML integration for UAV systems.
  • Deep understanding of aerodynamics, control systems, EKF/INS, SLAM, and navigation algorithms.
  • Experience building GCS applications using Qt/QML or web technologies.
  • Experience with military communication protocols & secure networking.
  • Proven experience managing engineering teams and large software projects.
  • Strong documentation discipline and understanding of certification workflows.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

  • B.Tech/ M.Tech/ MS in Computer Science, IT, Software, AI/ML, Mechanical, Electronics, Aerospace, Robotics or related fields.
  • Minimum 5 - 12 years of experience in UAV or autonomous systems, defence, aerospace domains.
  • Experience working in defence programmes (IAF/IA/IN/DRDO) or global OEM standards
  • Exposure to Loitering Munitions (LM), VTOL systems, Swarm UAVs or MUM-T architectures.
  • Knowledge of DevOps (GitLab CI, Docker, Jenkins), cybersecurity and RTOS environments.

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