Key Responsibilities:

1. Technology & Product Strategy

- Define and own the multi-year technology roadmap across avionics, power systems, propulsion, control, autonomy, and payload integration.

- Lead cross-functional R&D programs across hardware, embedded software, AI/ML-based analytics, and swarming algorithms.

- Shape innovation in GPS-denied navigation, edge AI, and autonomous mission planning.

2. Systems Architecture & Integration

- Drive system-level architecture decisions for airframes, flight controllers, propulsion units, battery systems, and communication stacks.

- Architect modular and scalable platforms supporting a wide array of payloads and mission profiles.

- Lead innovations in smart BMS, thermal regulation, and redundant power systems.

3. Product Reliability & Validation

- Build robust DFR (Design for Reliability) and HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) test infrastructure.

- Implement accelerated life testing, MTBF analysis, HALT/HASS protocols, and FMEA.

- Establish feedback loops from field data to drive iterative design improvements.

- Lead compliance frameworks for EMI/EMC, IP ratings, and operational safety under diverse conditions.

4. Battery Systems & Power Engineering

- Drive innovation in battery chemistry selection, pack design, and flight endurance optimization.

- Ensure compliance with UN38.3, IEC 62133, and BIS standards for lithium-ion systems.

- Define testing and safety validation for battery performance under varied load and temperature profiles.

5. Manufacturability & Production Handoff

- Collaborate with Production & Quality teams to implement Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Testing (DFT) practices.

- Lead BOM cost vs. performance trade-offs to ensure commercial viability without compromising quality.

6. Regulatory & Certification Oversight

- Own interface with DGCA, MoD, ASTM, FCC/CE, MIL-STD, and EASA certification bodies.

- Develop internal quality and safety compliance systems aligned with global aerospace standards.

7. Team Leadership & Organizational Development

- Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing R&D organization spanning electronics, mechanical design, firmware, and data systems.

- Foster a culture of intellectual property creation, design excellence, and collaborative engineering.

- Set performance KPIs and implement structured career development plans for engineering talent.

8. Program & Portfolio Management

- Ensure on-time and within-budget execution of all R&D programs using Agile/Scrum methodologies.

- Oversee resource allocation, risk assessment, milestone tracking, and stakeholder reporting.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

Qualifications & Experience:

- Bachelors/Masters degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Mechanical, or Embedded Systems Engineering.

- 12+ years of product engineering leadership experience with hands-on exposure to full-cycle hardware development.

- Proven track record of delivering ruggedized, real-world deployed hardware systems (preferably in UAV, robotics, automotive, or defense sectors).

Deep domain knowledge in:

- Embedded systems and flight controllers

- Thermal & power management systems

- Battery pack design & BMS optimization

- System reliability engineering and validation

- Product safety standards and environmental testing protocols

Desirable:

- Experience in high-uptime platforms (>95% availability in field conditions).

- Exposure to aerospace-grade reliability metrics and autonomous navigation systems.

- Hands-on experience with AI/ML integration, digital twin systems, or cloud-based fleet analytics is a strong plus.

- Demonstrated ability to secure patents, lead IP strategy, and represent the company in technical forums.