Technical Lead Engineer (UAV Systems)Location: Bombarral & Torres Vedras, Portugal (On-site/ Hybrid)Type: FulltimeStart: ASAPThe MissionHertel Robotics is a pre-seed startup branch (besides Hertel. Aerials and Hertel. Pictures, est. ****) building autonomous drone systems for the world's harshest maritime environments.
We believe if it doesn't fly (and land) comfortably in +45 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 HaveProven experience leading technical execution for a UAV / robotics / aerospace systemAbility to own overall system technical decisions, trade studies, and technical roadmapStrong integration capability across:Flight controls / autonomyPower + propulsionSensors + computeVehicle dynamics / controlsAbility to drive requirements development and maintain clear interfaces between subsystemsExperience planning and leading test programs (bench, ground, flight), including clear documentation of resultsStrong engineering judgment and ability to operate in ambiguity in an early-stage environmentStrongly PreferredFamiliarity with open autopilot ecosystems (PX4 / ArduPilot) and their integration/tuning workflowsExperience establishing practical processes for:Configuration managementChange controlTraceability (software & hardware)Experience with regulated and/or safety-critical development environments and industry guidance material (DO-178C, DO-254, ARP****B or EUROCAE ED-12C / ED-80 / ED-79B equivalents)Nice to HavePrior exposure to aviation certification pathways (EASA / FAA) at a high levelExperience supporting early regulator engagement and producing basic evidence packagesLeadership experience mentoring junior engineers and coordinating across disciplinesExperience with mission planning, ops constraints, and operational safety practicesCore ResponsibilitiesServe as the technical owner of the drone systemLead integration and technical decision-making across hardware/software/testDefine and manage requirements, interfaces, and technical baselinesDrive flight test planning, execution support, and learning loopsCollaborate with quality/certification support to keep work traceable from Day 1 and help develop and define company processes.