Technical Lead Engineer (UAV Systems)
Location: Bombarral & Torres Vedras, Portugal (On-site/ Hybrid)
Type: Fulltime
Start: ASAP
The Mission
Hertel Robotics is a pre-seed startup branch (besides Hertel. Aerials and Hertel. Pictures, est. 2021) building autonomous drone systems for the world's harshest maritime environments. We believe if it doesn't fly (and land) comfortably in knots and +3 meter waves, it doesn't work reliable enough to actually help in high stakes SAR, Surveillance and Film operations. We're currently in our PoC concept phase, specifically autonomous vessel landing.
We are looking for a Technical Lead Engineer to serve as the technical owner of the drone system.
Must Have
* Proven experience leading technical execution for a UAV / robotics / aerospace system
* Ability to own overall system technical decisions, trade studies, and technical roadmap
* Strong integration capability across:
* Flight controls / autonomy
* Power + propulsion
* Sensors + compute
* Vehicle dynamics / controls
* Ability to drive requirements development and maintain clear interfaces between subsystems
* Experience planning and leading test programs (bench, ground, flight), including clear documentation of results
* Strong engineering judgment and ability to operate in ambiguity in an early-stage environment
Strongly Preferred
* Familiarity with open autopilot ecosystems (PX4 / ArduPilot) and their integration/tuning workflows
* Experience establishing practical processes for:
* Configuration management
* Change control
* Traceability (software & hardware)
* Experience with regulated and/or safety-critical development environments and industry guidance material (DO-178C, DO-254, ARP4754B or EUROCAE ED-12C / ED-80 / ED-79B equivalents)
Nice to Have
* Prior exposure to aviation certification pathways (EASA / FAA) at a high level
* Experience supporting early regulator engagement and producing basic evidence packages
* Leadership experience mentoring junior engineers and coordinating across disciplines
* Experience with mission planning, ops constraints, and operational safety practices
Core Responsibilities
* Serve as the technical owner of the drone system
* Lead integration and technical decision-making across hardware/software/test
* Define and manage requirements, interfaces, and technical baselines
* Drive flight test planning, execution support, and learning loops
* Collaborate with quality/certification support to keep work traceable from Day 1 and help develop and define company processes.