Drone Programmer
Summary
Drone Programmer at Star Drones in Muscat, Oman, developing software that lets drones fly autonomously — designing flight algorithms (perception, path planning), testing in simulators like Gazebo/Unreal, and deploying to autopilots (PX4) and onboard computers (NVIDIA Jetson) using MAVLink and ROS. Requires 2+ years in robotics/autonomous systems software.
Location: Innovation Park Muscat
Experience: 2+ years
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled Drone Programmer to join our team in developing innovative drone applications. You will design, develop and implement software that enables drones to operate autonomously, integrating hardware and software components seamlessly. The role sits at the intersection of aviation technology, robotics and software engineering, building cutting-edge drone systems for a wide range of applications.
Key Responsibilities
- Algorithm Development & Prototyping: Design and develop algorithms for autonomous flight, including sensing and perception, path planning and decision-making.
- Software Simulation: Use simulation environments such as Gazebo or Unreal Engine to test and validate autonomous flight algorithms.
- Hardware Implementation & Testing: Deploy software on autopilots (e.g. PX4) or onboard computers (e.g. NVIDIA Jetson), and run thorough hardware-in-the-loop testing.
- Communication Protocols: Develop and integrate protocols such as MAVLink or ROS for seamless data exchange between drones and ground control systems.
- Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver a cohesive drone ecosystem.
- Staying Current: Keep up with the latest advances in drone technology and robotics.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics or a related field.
- Proficiency in C/C++, Python and/or Java.
- At least 2 years of software development experience for robotics or autonomous systems, preferably drones.
- Strong experience with the Robot Operating System (ROS or ROS 2).
- Familiarity with sensor integration and data-processing techniques.
- Experience with debugging tools and techniques for robotic systems.
- Experience with drone platforms such as PX4, DJI SDK or ArduPilot.
- Familiarity with computer-vision libraries such as OpenCV.
Nice to Have
- Contributions to open-source robotics projects.
- A remote pilot certificate (e.g. FAA Part 107 or an equivalent licence).
- A collaborative team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Access to cutting-edge drone technology and tools.
- Flexible work arrangements with a focus on innovation and creativity.
