AV Systems Manager

Position Summary

We are looking for an experienced and technically hands-on AV Systems Manager to lead the development and integration of guidance, navigation, control (GNC) and video processing systems for our UAV platforms. In this role, you will bridge autonomy algorithms with real-time embedded software, ensuring that flight behaviors, stabilization, mission execution, and visual telemetry all work in harmony. The ideal candidate brings deep systems engineering experience and thrives in multidisciplinary environments where flight control, perception, and payload integration intersect.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Program Oversight
  • Lead a cross-functional team of engineers working on GNC algorithms, flight software, and real-time video systems.
  • Define and manage system architecture for flight control and video pipelines, ensuring seamless integration across avionics and payloads.
  • Own planning and execution for GNC and AV software roadmaps, sprint schedules, and integration milestones.
• Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC)
  • Oversee development and tuning of flight control laws, PID loops, state estimation, waypoint tracking, and failsafe logic.
  • Manage integration of GPS, IMU, magnetometer, and barometer data for reliable sensor fusion and localization.
  • Support mission planner behavior, autonomous navigation, and precision control for fixed-wing, multirotor, or hybrid platforms.
• Video Systems & Streaming
  • Architect and maintain low-latency video pipelines for real-time FPV, ISR payloads, and operator UI.
  • Interface with camera modules (EO/IR), encoders, and transmission systems (RTSP, H.265, etc.) for airborne video streaming.
  • Optimize onboard processing and network handling to support stable feeds over variable link conditions (LTE, RF, mesh).
• Systems Integration & Testing
  • Drive integration of GNC and video systems with flight controller firmware, companion computers, and ground control stations.
  • Lead bench and field testing campaigns to validate AV system performance across edge cases and operational environments.
  • Implement logging, diagnostics, and real-time observability for post-flight analysis and debugging.
• Collaboration & Compliance
  • Work closely with electrical, mechanical, autonomy, and mobile teams to ensure full system interoperability.
  • Support safety, reliability, and compliance standards for commercial, industrial, or defense aviation systems.
  • Contribute to documentation, test procedures, and certification support (e.g., NDAA, MIL-STD, FAA Part 107).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 5 years of experience in GNC, robotics, or real-time embedded systems development.
• Proficiency in C/C and Python, with a strong understanding of control theory and state estimation.
• Experience with PX4, ArduPilot, ROS2, or similar flight control stacks.
• Background in real-time video processing, streaming protocols, and camera systems.
• Hands-on experience with drone systems, including flight testing and tuning.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience with Jetson, Snapdragon, or other edge AI/vision platforms.
• Familiarity with MAVLink, RTSP, gRPC, or similar communication protocols.
• Knowledge of SLAM, terrain following, geofencing, or computer vision-assisted navigation.
• Understanding of networking, link optimization, and QoS for video telemetry over mesh or LTE.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Blend of office, lab, and field work including regular drone testing and iterative deployment.
• Hands-on integration with hardware, sensors, and flight control platforms.
• Fast-paced, team-oriented engineering environment with cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.