Aerial Robotics Research Engineer – UAV Autonomy & AI

EURECAT

Eurecat es el segundo centro tecnológico de España y una de las organizaciones de investigación aplicada y transferencia tecnológica más grande del sur de Europa. Aglutina la experiencia de más de 800 profesionales que generan un volumen de ingresos de 69 millones de euros anuales y presta servicio a cerca de 2.000 empresas. I+D aplicado, servicios tecnológicos, formación de alta especialización, consultoría tecnológica o valorización y explotación de la propiedad industrial son algunos de los servicios que Eurecat ofrece tanto para grandes como para pequeñas y medianas empresas de todos los sectores. El centro tecnológico participa en más de 200 grandes proyectos consorciados de I+D+i nacionales e internacionales de alto valor estratégico y cuenta con 230 patentes y 10 spin-off. Eurecat cuenta con once centros en Cataluña y presencia en Madrid, Málaga y Chile.

Descripción de la oferta

The Mobile Robotics research line of the Robotics and Automation Unit at Eurecat Technology Center (Barcelona) is seeking a highly motivated researcher/engineer with strong expertise in aerial robotics, autonomous UAV systems, AI-driven perception, navigation, localization and flight autonomy.

The selected candidate will contribute to the development of next-generation autonomous aerial systems, including multirotor and VTOL platforms, addressing challenges in real-world applications such as infrastructure inspection, surveillance, logistics, precision agriculture, emergency response, environmental monitoring, and advanced industrial operations.

The position focuses on integrating Artificial Intelligence into UAV autonomy stacks to increase robustness, adaptability, situational awareness, and cognitive capabilities in complex and dynamic environments.

We are looking for candidates with strong robotics software development skills (ROS/ROS2, C++, Python) and hands-on experience with real UAV platforms, outdoor deployments, onboard perception systems, and autonomous flight operations.

Our research activities include:

Autonomous UAV navigation and mission execution.
AI-driven perception and scene understanding for aerial robotics.
Localization and SLAM in GNSS-denied environments.
Cooperative multi-UAV systems and fleet coordination.
Vision-based autonomy and onboard decision-making.
Cross-domain navigation/localization technologies transferable between aerial and ground robotic platforms.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Participate in the definition, design, and development of new AI-driven robotics concepts.
Scientific and technical contributions to project advancements.
Development, validation, and maintenance of high-quality software for applied research in robotics.
Integration and deployment of robotic systems in field trials.
Participation in scientific publications and dissemination activities.
Support project management to ensure proper execution and delivery.
Maintain active collaboration with clients, partners, and multidisciplinary teams.
Requisitos

REQUIRED SKILLS

Academic Background

PhD, MSc, or equivalent experience in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, AI, Computer Vision, Computer Science, or related fields.

Mandatory

Strong background in autonomous aerial navigation and localization, including path planning, trajectory generation, SLAM, state estimation and perception systems for aerial platforms.
Proficiency in ROS/ROS2 and strong programming skills (C++ and Python)
Familiarity with simulation environments for aerial robotics (e.g., Gazebo, Isaac Sim).
AI/ML applied to robotics (semantic mapping, 3D scene understanding, reinforcement learning, or multi-robot coordination).
Experience with Edge AI deployment: optimizing Deep Learning models for real-time execution on onboard hardware (Jetson, NUC).
Familiarity with Linux-based embedded systems, Dockerized deployment workflows, and hardware/software integration for robotic platforms.
Experience with version control and collaborative software development practices.

Nice to Have

Experience with real UAV platforms and outdoor flight testing.
Experience with multirotor and/or VTOL autonomous systems.
Knowledge of PX4, ArduPilot and ROS2-based UAV integration.
Experience with SLAM, localization and navigation in GNSS-denied environments.
Experience with sensor fusion, Visual Odometry (VO), Visual-Inertial Odometry (VIO), and perception-driven navigation.
Advanced 3D perception using LiDAR, stereo, RGB-D, thermal or event cameras.
Experience integrating AI/Deep Learning models into onboard robotic autonomy systems.
Experience with cooperative multi-UAV systems, swarm robotics or fleet coordination.

Soft Skills & Practical Aspects

Excellent communication skills, adaptability, and creativity.
Fluent English; other languages are a plus.
Availability to travel occasionally.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND BENEFITS:
Our laboratory is located in Cerdanyola del Vallès, just outside Barcelona (Spain). Barcelona, besides being easily connected to the rest of Europe, offers excellent quality of life and a vibrant robotics ecosystem rich with initiatives, research groups, robotics companies, and engaging events—with many more opportunities emerging continuously!

Additionally, we offer:

Permanent contract.
Hybrid work model (home office/office).
Flexible working hours, shorter workdays on Fridays, and summer schedules.
Flexible remuneration package (health insurance, transport, lunch, studies/training, and kindergarten).
Professional growth through Eurecat Academy courses, weekly thematic sessions on Eurecat’s areas of knowledge, and language training (English, Catalan, Spanish).

Posición: Investigador/a avanzado/a

Departamento: Robotics & Automation

Ubicación: Cerdanyola del Vallès (España)

Tipo de Contrato: Indefinido

Jornada laboral: Jornada completa

Sector: Otros

Vacantes: 1

Disciplina: I+D

Modalidad de trabajo: Híbrida