Embedded Systems & Autonomy Engineer

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Volatus Aerospace is a global leader in aerial intelligence and drone solutions, bringing together over 100 years of combined aviation expertise. We specialize in delivering innovative, customer-focused solutions through both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems across industries including defense, infrastructure, energy, public safety, and logistics.

Volatus Aerospace is a Canadian aerospace technology company developing autonomous UAV systems for commercial, defence, and industrial applications. Our engineering team builds the hardware, firmware, and software that power our unmanned platforms from low-level flight control to high-level autonomy and mission management. We operate in demanding environments including remote industrial sites, northern Canada, and Arctic conditions

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are looking for an Embedded Systems & Autonomy Engineer to join our R&D division. You will design, implement, and validate autonomy algorithms for our UAV platforms, integrate custom software with open-source flight control firmware, and work alongside our Operations team during field deployments and testing campaigns. This is a hands-on engineering role that spans algorithm development, hardware integration, and real-world validation in operational environments. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Algorithm Development

• Design and implement autonomy algorithms for UAV platforms using C++, Python, and ROS/ROS2 

• Develop and validate state estimation, sensor fusion, and closed-loop control logic 

• Write simulation environments for algorithm testing prior to hardware deployment

• Optimize algorithms for real-time performance on embedded flight computer hardware

Firmware & Flight Controller Integration

• Integrate custom autonomy modules with PX4 and ArduPilot open-source firmware stacks 

• Develop and maintain custom MAVLink protocol extensions and companion computer interfaces 

• Configure and tune Pixhawk-based flight controller hardware for specific airframe and mission requirements

• Manage firmware build systems, parameter management, and version control across platforms

Sensor & Payload Integration

• Interface vision, LIDAR, IMU, GNSS, and other payloads with the flight computer and ROS ecosystem 

• Develop camera and imaging system drivers, calibration pipelines, and data handling workflows 

• Implement real-time sensor processing pipelines on companion computers (NVIDIA Jetson, Raspberry Pi, or equivalent)

Field Testing & Operations Support

• Support the Operations team during field testing campaigns -preparing aircraft, configuring systems, and executing test plans 

• Instrument flight systems for data capture, monitor telemetry, and perform post-flight analysis 

• Diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues in the field under time pressure 

• Document test results, anomalies, and lessons learned, and feed findings back into the development cycle 

• Travel to field sites as required, including remote locations and variable weather environments

Engineering Standards & Collaboration

• Write clean, well-documented code with unit and integration tests 

• Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and technical planning sessions 

• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers across the R&D team 

• Contribute to IP development and internal technical documentation

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field 

• 3+ years of hands-on experience with PX4 and/or ArduPilot firmware -configuration, customization, and extension 

• Strong working knowledge of ROS and/or ROS2 -node development, launch systems, tf, topics, services, and actions 

• Experience with Pixhawk flight controller hardware and the MAVLink communication protocol 

• Proficiency in C++ and Python for embedded and real-time systems development 

• Experience integrating sensors -cameras, IMUs, GNSS, LIDAR -with UAV platforms 

• Hands-on experience flying and testing UAV systems in field environments 

• Strong debugging and systems troubleshooting skills across hardware and software 

• Ability to work in the field -physically capable of equipment handling and travel to remote sites 

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as may be reasonably assigned by the Company from time to time.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience with UAV control systems architecture -attitude control, position control, mission management 

• Familiarity with Gazebo, AirSim, or SITL simulation environments for UAV development 

• Knowledge of computer vision fundamentals - OpenCV, feature detection, image processing pipelines 

• Experience with NVIDIA Jetson or similar edge computing platforms 

• Background in defence, industrial, or Arctic / northern operations environments 

• Exposure to DO-178C, transport Canada RPAS regulations, or equivalent certification frameworks 

• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing setups 

• Familiarity with GIS tools, georeferencing, and geospatial data formats

HOURS OF WORK AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The position is an onsite role, and the Employee is required to perform their duties primarily at the Company’s designated workplace, as directed by the Company.
• The standard work schedule consists of forty (40) hours per week, typically performed Monday to Friday, subject to operational requirements.
• Travel to field operations in varied and challenging environments across Canada
• From time to time, the Employee may be required to maintain reasonable flexibility in working hours to support operational needs, time-sensitive activities, or business priorities.

WHY JOIN VOLATUS AEROSPACE

At Volatus Aerospace, you will be joining an innovative, fast-paced company with a strong commitment to customer success and industry advancement. We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive group benefits plan, and a group RRSP. You will have the opportunity to work with a passionate global team on cutting-edge aerospace projects while continuing to grow your career in a collaborative and supportive work environment where your contributions directly impact company growth and operational success.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are ready to take your career to new heights, please apply with your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.