Drone Engineer

Company Description Sky1 is building an AI operating system for drones that enables fleets to think, coordinate, and act autonomously across missions and industries. Instead of treating drones as isolated flying cameras, Sky1 delivers an integrated stack combining an AI-powered Ground Control System (GCS) and a compact AI Drone Module on the airframe. This platform supports autonomous decision-making, BVLOS readiness, and resilience in GNSS-denied environments. On top of the core OS, Sky1 offers vertical solutions such as SkyShield for defense, SkyLift for logistics and critical delivery, and SkyScan for survey and inspection. The company focuses on becoming the intelligence layer powering the future of autonomous drone fleets across defense, logistics, infrastructure, and experience-driven applications.
Role Description This is a full-time, on-site Drone Engineer role based in Chennai. The Drone Engineer will design, integrate, and test hardware and software systems for UAVs, working closely with robotics, aerospace, and software teams to enhance the Sky1 OS and associated modules. Day-to-day responsibilities include developing and optimizing flight control algorithms, implementing and debugging embedded code, and integrating sensors, communication modules, and payloads. The role involves conducting lab and field tests, analyzing performance data, and iterating on design to improve autonomy, reliability, and safety. The Drone Engineer will also collaborate on documentation, cross-functional reviews, and support deployment of drone solutions across defense, logistics, and inspection use cases.
Qualifications
Strong foundation in drones, UAV systems, and aerospace engineering, with hands-on experience in design, integration, and testing.
Background in robotics, including control systems, sensor integration, and autonomy or navigation algorithms.
Proficiency in programming (e.g., C/C++, Python, ROS or similar frameworks) for embedded systems, flight controllers, and robotics applications.
Experience with avionics, communication protocols, and safety or regulatory considerations for UAV operations is highly beneficial.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
Ability to work on-site in Chennai, collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, and participate in field testing in diverse environments.
Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with tools such as CAD, simulation environments, or hardware-in-the-loop testing.

Work arrangement
No