UAV Robotics/Mechatronics Engineer – Drone Prototyping, Integration & Field Testing

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UAV Robotics/Mechatronics Engineer – Drone Prototyping, Integration & Field Testing

Company: Fiducial

Location: Delft, South Holland, Netherlands

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering / Robotics / Mechatronics

Date Posted: February 26, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (with opportunities for international travel)

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a hands-on engineering role focused on the physical integration and testing of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems, specifically within a deep-tech startup environment.

• The position emphasizes practical skills in building, wiring, mounting, and testing drone hardware and embedded systems, rather than purely theoretical or software development.

• Successful candidates will be involved in rapid prototyping, using tools like 3D printing and soldering, to turn concepts into functional drone prototypes.

• The role requires active participation in field testing, including regular drone flying, and troubleshooting hardware issues to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description heavily emphasizes practical, hands-on experience and a "builder" mentality, suggesting this role is suitable for individuals who enjoy working with physical hardware and have a passion for drones and robotics. The "We don’t care about qualifications — we care about what you’ve made" statement highlights a preference for demonstrable projects over formal degrees. The role is situated within a fast-growing deep-tech startup, implying a dynamic and innovative work environment with significant opportunities for direct impact and technical ownership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Hardware Integration: Build, assemble, and integrate electronic components, sensors, and compute boards onto various drone platforms for active Research & Development (R&D) projects.

• System Setup & Debugging: Work hands-on with flight controllers (e.g., ArduPilot) and embedded compute boards (e.g., Jetson, Orange Pi) to configure and deploy perception software.

• Prototyping & Fabrication: Solder custom wiring harnesses, assemble mounting brackets, and design/3D print enclosures and adapters to create robust physical prototypes.

• Field Testing & Operations: Support and actively participate in drone flight tests, which includes regular flying of the developed systems, and gather performance data.

• Troubleshooting & Iteration: Identify, diagnose, and resolve hardware and system malfunctions, then iterate on designs and implementations to improve performance, reliability, and efficiency.

• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain organized records of builds, tests, and troubleshooting efforts, and contribute to technical documentation as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are strongly oriented towards the physical aspects of drone development. The emphasis on "deploy and debug embedded perception software" suggests a need for basic software understanding but the core focus remains on the hardware integration and operational testing. The mention of "active R&D" and "low TRL research" indicates involvement in cutting-edge and experimental projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field such as Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a relevant degree is listed as a requirement, the company explicitly states, "We don’t care about qualifications — we care about what you’ve made," indicating that practical experience and a demonstrable portfolio can significantly outweigh formal educational credentials.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in building, modifying, or flying drones, RC systems, or similar robotic platforms.

Required Skills:

• Drone/RC Systems: Proven experience in building, flying, or modifying drones, RC aircraft, or similar autonomous systems.

• Electronics & Soldering: Proficiency in basic electronics, soldering, and wiring for prototype development.

• Embedded Systems: Familiarity with embedded compute boards like NVIDIA Jetson or Raspberry Pi equivalents.

• Flight Controllers: Experience or strong interest in flight control software such as ArduPilot or PX4.

• Linux Fundamentals: Basic understanding and comfort working with Linux operating systems.

• Prototyping: Experience with 3D printing and/or CAD for creating custom parts and mounts.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve hardware and system integration issues effectively.

• English Proficiency: Fluent in English for communication within the international team and with partners.

• Proactiveness & Organization: Ability to work independently, manage tasks, and maintain an organized approach to projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced Drone Systems: Experience with FPV (First-Person View) systems, ESCs (Electronic Speed Controllers), and power distribution.

• CAD Software: Proficiency in CAD software for designing custom parts.

• Drone Pilot License: Possession of a drone pilot license.

• Driver's License: A valid driver's license.

• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with version control systems like Git.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements heavily lean towards practical, project-based experience. Candidates are explicitly asked to provide visual evidence (photos/links) of their builds and projects, underscoring the importance of a strong portfolio that showcases practical skills and passion for building.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable Builds: A collection of photos, videos, or detailed descriptions of personal drone builds, RC systems, or robotics projects. This should showcase your ability to physically assemble and integrate components.

• Electronic Projects: Evidence of hands-on electronics work, including custom wiring, circuit modifications, or sensor integration.

• 3D Printing/CAD Work: Examples of parts designed and 3D printed for functional purposes, demonstrating your ability to create physical solutions.

• GitHub Repositories: Links to any relevant GitHub repositories showcasing embedded software, scripts, or project documentation, illustrating your software interaction capabilities.

• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Descriptions of challenges faced in past projects, how you approached troubleshooting, and the solutions implemented.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: While not a formal process design role, candidates should be able to articulate their personal build and testing workflows.

• Iteration & Improvement: Ability to demonstrate how you have iterated on designs or processes to achieve better results.

• Testing Methodologies: Understanding of basic field testing procedures and data collection for hardware performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company explicitly requests visual evidence of projects. A strong portfolio demonstrating a passion for building, problem-solving, and hands-on technical skills is paramount. This is not a role where a traditional resume detailing past job duties will suffice; it requires a showcase of personal initiative and practical application of skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimate: €2,000 - €3,000 per month (gross), depending on experience and demonstrated skills.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: Based on entry-level engineering roles in the Netherlands, particularly within startups in technology hubs like Delft, and considering the emphasis on practical skills over formal qualifications. This range is an estimate and should be confirmed by the employer. Cost of living in Delft is moderate for the Netherlands.

Benefits:

• Monetary Compensation: Competitive salary.

• Vacation: 25 vacation days per year.

• Work Expenses: Reimbursed travel expenses and provision of a company laptop.

• International Travel: Opportunities for travel abroad to collaborate with partners.

• Flexibility: (Really) flexible working hours and the option to work from home 2 days per week (when not traveling).

• Team Environment: Working within an international, world-class team of engineers and entrepreneurs.

• Project Ownership: Large freedom in how work is implemented, with significant project ownership.

• Technical Freedom: Opportunity to take technical risks, implement solutions the "right" way, and iterate quickly with tight feedback loops.

• Learning & Growth: Continuous learning is expected, with responsibility over implemented solutions and becoming the expert in your built systems.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week, with flexible working hours.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: The "really flexible working hours" and hybrid work option suggest a focus on output and results rather than strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule, which is common in startup environments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Deep-tech startup focused on autonomy, perception, and defense technology.

Company Size: Young and fast-growing. The team is described as consisting of passionate engineers with backgrounds in Aerospace Engineering, Computational Science and Engineering, Robotics, and Computer Graphics.

Founded: Not specified, but described as "young."

Team Structure:

• Interdisciplinary: Composed of engineers from diverse technical backgrounds.

• Collaborative: Works closely with top-tier partners, including government agencies, prime contractors, academic research institutes, and other startups.

• Innovation-Focused: Operates at the intersection of innovation and deployment through R&D programs and rapid prototyping.

• Ownership Culture: Emphasizes large freedom in work implementation and project ownership.

Methodology:

• Agile Prototyping: Utilizes rapid prototyping tracks and tight feedback loops for quick iteration.

• Data-Driven Development: Focuses on autonomy and perception, implying a reliance on sensor data and algorithmic development.

• Technical Risk-Taking: Encourages taking technical risks and implementing solutions through experimentation.

Company Website: https://www.fdcl.nl/

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is characteristic of a high-growth, deep-tech startup: fast-paced, technically driven, and focused on innovation. The emphasis on "passion," "ownership," and "technical risk-taking" suggests an environment where individuals are expected to be highly motivated, autonomous, and willing to push boundaries. Collaboration with academic institutions and government partners indicates a serious approach to R&D and potential for significant impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Engineer (0-2 years experience). This role is positioned as a "hands-on builder" and a crucial part of the physical development process.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, the description suggests direct involvement with senior engineers and potentially team leads, given the emphasis on project ownership and becoming an expert in one's work. The team is international and world-class.

Operations Impact: This role directly contributes to the development and testing of core UAV technology that underpins the company's situational awareness software and future interconnected solutions. The engineer's work on hardware integration and field testing is fundamental to validating and advancing the company's deep-tech offerings in defense applications.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in UAV hardware integration, mechatronics, embedded systems, and specific flight control software (ArduPilot, PX4).

• Hands-on Experience: Gain extensive practical experience in drone prototyping, assembly, and field operations, which is highly valued in the robotics and aerospace industries.

• Project Ownership: Develop leadership skills by taking ownership of specific hardware components or integration tasks, from concept to deployment.

• Industry Exposure: Work with cutting-edge technology and collaborate with high-tier partners, offering exposure to real-world defense and autonomy applications.

• Learning & Adaptation: Thrive in an environment that encourages technical risks and continuous learning, allowing for rapid skill development and adaptation to new challenges.

• Potential for Advancement: As the company grows, there will likely be opportunities to move into more senior engineering roles, hardware lead positions, or specialized areas within UAV development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is strongly tied to practical skill development and demonstrated impact within the company's R&D efforts. The emphasis on becoming "the expert on what you build" suggests a trajectory where deep technical knowledge and hands-on problem-solving lead to career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Located within the Aerospace Innovation Hub on the TU Delft campus. This suggests a dynamic, collaborative environment fostering innovation and connection with academic and startup ecosystems.

Office Location(s): Delft, the Netherlands.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Aerospace Innovation Hub environment likely provides opportunities for informal networking and collaboration with other tech startups and researchers.

• Hands-on Facilities: Access to labs and prototyping tools (e.g., 3D printers) necessary for the role.

• Dynamic Team Interaction: Opportunities to work closely with a diverse team of passionate engineers on cutting-edge projects.

• Field Operations: Significant time will be spent outdoors for drone flight testing.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, with "(Really) flexible working hours."

• Hybrid work is an option, with 2 days per week from home when not traveling.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: The flexibility in hours and hybrid work model reflects a trust-based culture focused on results. The requirement for field testing means that the "work from home" option may be limited during intensive testing periods, and international travel is a possibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Submission: Submit resume, website, or other relevant information to provide a clear impression of background and skills.

• Questionnaire: If deemed a potential fit, candidates will complete a questionnaire for further evaluation.

• Interviews: Subsequent interviews will follow, potentially including technical discussions and team introductions.

• Final Discussion: If successful, specifics of the role and offer will be discussed.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Prioritize visual evidence. Include high-quality photos and videos of your builds, projects, and testing activities.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, briefly explain the goal, the components used, the challenges encountered, your problem-solving approach, and the outcome.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your proficiency in soldering, wiring, electronics, 3D printing, Linux, and any relevant software or flight control systems.

• Focus on Impact: If possible, quantify the results of your projects (e.g., flight duration achieved, functionality implemented, problems solved).

• GitHub for Code: For any software contributions, ensure your GitHub profile is clean, well-documented, and showcases relevant projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss the technical details of your projects, including component choices, design decisions, and troubleshooting experiences.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would approach common hardware integration or flight testing challenges.

• Passion & Motivation: Articulate your genuine interest in UAVs, robotics, and deep-tech startups. Be ready to explain why you are drawn to this specific role and company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is designed to filter candidates based on demonstrated practical ability rather than just academic or work history. A well-curated portfolio is the most critical component of the application.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Flight Controllers: ArduPilot, PX4 (or similar open-source flight stacks).

• Compute Boards: NVIDIA Jetson, Orange Pi (or similar embedded Linux systems).

• Prototyping: 3D printers, soldering stations, electronic test equipment.

• Hardware Components: Sensors (cameras, IMUs, GPS), motors, ESCs, batteries, power distribution boards, wiring.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Loggers: On-board flight data recorders.

• Basic Analysis Tools: Potentially command-line tools or scripts for analyzing flight logs.

CRM & Automation:

• Version Control: Git (for code and potentially documentation).

• CAD Software: For designing custom parts (specific software not mentioned, but proficiency is a bonus).

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on practical, embedded systems and drone hardware. Candidates are expected to be comfortable with open-source flight control software and common embedded computing platforms. Familiarity with the tools for physical prototyping is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Technology: A deep-seated enthusiasm for drones, robotics, autonomy, and deep-tech innovation.

• Hands-on & Builder Mentality: A preference for practical problem-solving and physical creation over theoretical work.

• Curiosity & Resourcefulness: A drive to explore, learn, and find solutions independently.

• Fast Iteration & Agility: Embracing rapid prototyping, quick feedback loops, and continuous improvement.

• Ownership & Responsibility: Taking pride and accountability for the work done and becoming an expert in implemented solutions.

• Technical Excellence: Striving to implement solutions the "right" way and taking calculated technical risks.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional: Working closely with software engineers, other hardware engineers, and potentially external partners.

• Direct Communication: Open and direct communication within a small, agile team.

• Knowledge Sharing: Implicit encouragement of learning from mistakes and sharing insights within the team.

• Partnership-Oriented: Collaborating effectively with government agencies, prime contractors, and academic institutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values individuals who are not only technically competent but also deeply passionate and self-motivated. The startup environment fosters a culture of shared goals, individual contribution, and collective innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Prototyping Demands: The need to quickly build, test, and iterate on hardware under tight project timelines.

• Troubleshooting Complex Systems: Diagnosing and resolving issues in integrated hardware and software systems, often with limited documentation.

• Working with Emerging Technologies: Operating at the frontier of deep-tech means dealing with novel and sometimes unpredictable technologies.

• Balancing Theory and Practice: Effectively translating theoretical knowledge into practical, functional hardware solutions.

• Field Testing Logistics: Managing the practicalities of outdoor drone testing, including weather, safety, and regulatory considerations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Technical Expertise: Becoming a specialist in UAV hardware, mechatronics, and embedded systems for autonomous applications.

• Practical R&D Skills: Developing robust skills in rapid prototyping, system integration, and field testing within a commercial R&D context.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience with cutting-edge defense and autonomy technologies and working with high-caliber partners.

• Career Progression: Opportunities to grow into more senior engineering roles, lead hardware development efforts, or specialize in specific areas as the company scales.

• Continuous Learning: An environment where learning new technologies and approaches is not just expected but encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to working in a fast-paced, innovative startup environment at the cutting edge of technology. These challenges also represent significant growth opportunities for motivated individuals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you built something complex." Be ready to walk through one of your personal projects in detail, focusing on the design choices, challenges, and your problem-solving process.

• "How would you integrate sensor X onto drone Y?" Prepare to discuss potential mounting solutions, power requirements, data interfaces, and potential issues.

• "Describe your experience with ArduPilot/PX4 or similar flight controllers." Be honest about your level of experience and demonstrate your willingness to learn.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working at a deep-tech startup like Fiducial?" Connect your passion for building and technology to the company's mission.

• "What excites you most about UAVs and autonomy?" Articulate your genuine interest and vision for the technology.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Your Best: Select 2-3 of your most relevant and impressive projects to showcase.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality photos and videos to illustrate your builds and processes.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly explain your specific contributions and the skills you utilized for each project.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, present metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the success or lessons learned from your projects.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about any aspect of your portfolio projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your practical skills and passion. A thoroughly prepared portfolio and the ability to articulate your technical process and problem-solving approach are critical for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UAV Robotics/Mechatronics Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link.

• Portfolio Preparation: Gather high-quality photos, videos, or links to your drone builds, RC projects, electronics work, 3D prints, and any relevant GitHub repositories. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your hands-on building and problem-solving capabilities.

• Resume Customization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant practical experience, skills in electronics, Linux, prototyping tools, and any exposure to UAVs or robotics. Emphasize achievements and projects over formal job descriptions if your experience is primarily personal.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your projects in detail, articulate your troubleshooting methodologies, and explain your passion for UAV technology and startups. Practice presenting your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Fiducial's mission, the Aerospace Innovation Hub environment, and the general landscape of deep-tech startups in the defense and autonomy sectors. Understand their focus on situational awareness.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.