UAV Engineer (Defence, Ardupilot)
€3,500 - €5,000 per month
Key Skills
Job Description
Company Description Aerlijn B.V. is a leading C-UAS integrator in the Netherlands. Our flagship product is a high-performance interceptor Nightmare V3 with interceptions of Shahed-136 in Ukraine. Our customers range from Dutch to wider EU to NATO allies. Role Description The UAV Engineer (Defence, Ardupilot) will design, integrate, and optimize unmanned aerial vehicle platforms and payloads for interceptor and air defense applications. Day-to-day tasks include developing mid-course autonomous guidance, configuring, and tuning Ardupilot-based flight control systems, implementing navigation and guidance algorithms for quadcopter systems. This is a full-time, on-site role based in Amsterdam. Qualifications At least 3 years in UAV engineering or aerospace engineering, with hands-on experience in UAV design, integration, and testing. Experience with autonomous guidance is preferred. Experience with radar integrations is preferred. Proficiency with Ardupilot, including configuration, parameter tuning, mission planning, and customizations are required. Quick problem-solving skills when working with limited documentation Knowledge of control systems, navigation, and guidance algorithms, including PID tuning and sensor fusion for reliable autonomous flight. Strong familiarity with RF communications, ground control stations, telemetry systems, and safety procedures for field testing and live operations. Understanding of defence or security applications, system reliability requirements, and relevant standards or regulatory frameworks is highly beneficial. Ability to work on-site in Amsterdam, collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, and communicate technical concepts clearly in English. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a closely related field (or equivalent practical experience). Experience with CAD tools, simulation environments, and test instrumentation for UAV prototyping and validation is an advantage. Compensation €3500-5000 gross monthly Lunch 8% holiday allowance Equity stock options package Other Our office is based close to Sloterdijk metro station.
Core Responsibilities
Design, integrate, and optimize UAV platforms and payloads for interceptor and air defense applications. Tasks include developing autonomous guidance, tuning Ardupilot flight control systems, and implementing navigation algorithms for quadcopters.
Requirements
Requires at least 3 years of experience in UAV or aerospace engineering with proficiency in Ardupilot and autonomous guidance. A Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant engineering field is required.
Benefits
- Lunch
- 8% Holiday allowance
- Equity stock options package
About Aerlijn B.V.
Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing
Company size: 11-50 employees
Aerlijn delivers high-performance interceptor platforms and modular air defense solutions in the Netherlands. Combining European manufacturing and compliance with operational insights and engineering experience from the Ukrainian battlefield. We specialize in battle-proven systems that are operational in active conflict regions. Our mission is to strengthen sovereign air defense through mission-ready engineering - built for operational effectiveness, not presentation slides.