Senior Autonomous System Engineer

Job Title: Senior Autonomous Systems Engineer III

Location: Chennai

Department: Autonomous Systems

Experience Level: 810+ years

Employment Type: Full-Time

Company Description:

Big Bang Boom Solutions (BBBS) is a Chennai-based deep-tech defence startup focused on developing indigenous defence and security technologies. It operates as a defence solutions integrator that builds advanced systems in areas such as artificial intelligence, UAS/drone technology, electronic warfare, material science, propulsion, communication systems, and data security, aiming to create intellectual property for national defence applications.

BBBS develops products such as anti-drone defence systems, see-through armour interfaces, smart surveillance platforms, and other custom defence technologies. The company has participated in and won multiple iDEX challenges sponsored by the Indian Ministry of Defence, receiving government grants and contracts.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Engineer to lead the development and integration of advanced autonomous aerial systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background in Robotics, Aerospace, or Control Systems, with hands-on expertise in UAV flight stacks (PX4/ArduPilot), V-SLAM, and autonomous navigation in GNSS-denied environments.

In this role, you will lead a multidisciplinary team to design, develop, and deploy tactical UAS solutions across a variety of rotary- and fixed-wing platforms, driving innovation in both software and hardware integration

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead UAS Development: Drive the design, development, and deployment of autonomous UAS platforms, including swarming behaviors and mission-specific adaptations.
• Software Architecture & Implementation: Architect and implement robust software solutions using ROS/ROS2, C++, and Python for real-time aerial navigation and control.
• Advanced Perception & Navigation: Oversee Visual-SLAM algorithms and sensor fusion (LiDAR, Radar, cameras, IMU) to enable obstacle avoidance, 3D mapping, and autonomous navigation in complex environments.
• Flight Control Systems Management: Customize and optimize flight control systems using PX4 or ArduPilot, including PID tuning and EKF optimization.
• Systems Integration: Coordinate integration across flight controllers, companion computers, and tactical payloads to ensure seamless performance.
• Simulation & Testing: Develop, validate, and iterate autonomous behaviors in high-fidelity simulation environments such as Gazebo, AirSim, or Unity.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with hardware, avionics, and flight-testing teams to ensure end-to-end system performance.
• Mentorship & Technical Leadership: Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical strategy for autonomous ISR and electronic warfare roadmaps.
• Compliance & Standards: Ensure all systems meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards, including DGCA and military reliability requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: M.E./M.Tech in Robotics, Aerospace, Autonomous Systems, or Control Systems.
• Advanced Education (Optional): Ph.D. in Robotics, Aerospace, Autonomous Systems, or Control Systems.
• Experience: 810+ years in autonomous systems development, including at least 5 years focused on UAS/UAV platforms.

Technical Skills:

• Programming & Software: Proficient in ROS/ROS2, C++, and Python within embedded Linux environments.
• UAV Dynamics & Navigation: Strong understanding of UAV dynamics, path planning algorithms (e.g., A*, RRT), and state estimation.
• Flight Control & Communication: Expertise with PX4, ArduPilot, MAVLink, and UAVCAN protocols.
• Simulation & Testing: Experienced with Gazebo, AirSim, and SITL/HITL workflows for validating autonomous behaviors.
• Perception & Sensor Integration: Hands-on experience with LiDAR-based SLAM, optical flow, and GNSS-denied positioning.
• Hardware Optimization: Skilled in debugging and optimizing compute-constrained onboard hardware (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson and similar platforms).

Preferred Attributes:

• Advanced Problem-Solving: Ability to tackle complex, edge-case flight scenarios and develop robust solutions.
• Effective Communication: Strong skills in articulating technical trade-offs and design decisions to diverse stakeholders.
• Innovation-Driven: Passion for pioneering tactical robotics and advancing sovereign defense technologies.