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: January 08, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a hands-on engineering role focused on the physical integration and testing of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems, particularly drones.

• The position involves building, wiring, mounting, and testing hardware components, including sensors and compute boards, onto drone platforms.

• A significant aspect of the role includes conducting outdoor field tests and troubleshooting hardware and system issues to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build and integrate hardware components, such as sensors, compute boards (e.g., Jetson, Orange Pi), and flight controllers (e.g., ArduPilot), onto drone platforms for active R&D projects.

• Solder, assemble, and prototype wiring harnesses, custom adapters, mounting solutions, and protective housings for drone systems.

• Utilize 3D printing technology to rapidly create physical prototypes for parts, mounts, and enclosures, turning design concepts into tangible components.

• Deploy and debug embedded perception software on flight hardware, ensuring seamless integration between software and hardware for situational awareness applications.

• Support and actively participate in drone flight tests, including regular flying duties, to validate hardware performance, system stability, and operational capabilities in real-world conditions.

• Troubleshoot and diagnose issues arising from hardware integration, software deployment, or flight testing, and implement effective solutions to improve system reliability and performance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Entry-level candidates with 0-2 years of experience are encouraged, particularly those with demonstrable practical experience through personal projects or internships.

• Proven hands-on experience in building, modifying, or flying drones, RC systems, or similar robotic platforms is highly valued.

• Experience with electronics tinkering, FPV (First Person View) systems, embedded software development, or general robotics projects.

• Demonstrated ability to work with physical components and make tangible things work, with a strong preference for candidates who enjoy hands-on building and problem-solving.

Required Skills:

• Basic Linux command-line proficiency for interacting with embedded systems and development environments.

• A strong interest in UAVs, robotics, embedded systems, autonomy, or related deep-tech fields.

• Excellent English proficiency for technical communication within a diverse international team.

• Demonstrated organizational skills and a proactive, resourceful approach to problem-solving.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with ArduPilot or PX4 flight control software.

• Familiarity with compute platforms like NVIDIA Jetson or Raspberry Pi/Orange Pi.

• Proficiency in CAD software for designing parts and enclosures.

• Hands-on experience with 3D printing for rapid prototyping.

• Soldering skills for electronics assembly and repair.

• Experience with FPV gear and drone setup.

• A valid driver's license.

• A drone pilot license.

• Exposure to perception software deployment and debugging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company explicitly states they "don't care about qualifications - we care about what you've made." This strongly suggests that a portfolio showcasing practical projects, links to GitHub repositories, photos of drone builds, FPV rigs, electronics projects, or CAD/3D-printed parts will be more impactful than academic credentials alone. This emphasis on a "builder" profile is critical for candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate practical experience through tangible projects, such as photos or detailed descriptions of drone builds, custom electronics, or FPV systems.

• Showcase your ability to create physical components through examples of 3D-printed parts, CAD designs, or custom-machined elements.

• Provide evidence of your problem-solving and debugging skills, potentially through case studies of issues encountered and resolved during builds or flight tests.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation may not be a primary focus for this entry-level role, candidates should be prepared to articulate their personal build and testing processes.

• Be ready to explain your methodology for troubleshooting hardware integration issues, from initial diagnosis to final resolution.

• Describe your approach to rapid prototyping and iteration, including how you incorporate feedback to improve designs and functionality.

• Explain your workflow for deploying and testing embedded software on physical drone platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the company's emphasis on "what you've made," a portfolio is not just a supplement but a core requirement. Candidates should curate their submissions to directly address the hands-on aspects of the role: building, wiring, soldering, 3D printing, and flight testing. Documenting the process of building and problem-solving will be key, rather than just presenting final products.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Monetary Compensation: Competitive salary.

• Paid Time Off: 25 vacation days per year.

• Work Expenses: Reimbursed travel expenses.

• Equipment: Company-provided laptop.

• Flexibility: (Really) flexible working hours.

• Remote Work: Option to work from home 2 days per week (when not traveling abroad).

• Travel Opportunities: Opportunities for international travel to work with partners.

Working Hours:

• Full-time (approximately 40 hours per week), with genuinely flexible working hours. This allows individuals to structure their workdays to best suit their productivity and the needs of ongoing projects, with the caveat that on-site presence is required for certain tasks and when not traveling for work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical entry-level engineering roles in the Netherlands, adjusted for the specialized nature of drone/robotics engineering and the startup context. Benefits are directly extracted from the job description. The flexible working hours are a significant perk, but the "hands-on" and "field testing" nature of the role implies that strict adherence to a 9-to-5 is not the norm, and availability for testing or critical build phases will be paramount.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Deep-tech startup focused on autonomy, perception, and defense technology, specifically developing advanced on-board UAV situational awareness software.

Company Size: Young but fast-growing startup. While an exact number isn't provided, the description suggests a lean, agile team environment typical of early-stage deep-tech companies.

Founded: The company is described as "young," implying a recent founding date, likely within the last 5-10 years, which aligns with the "deep-tech startup" profile.

Team Structure:

• The team consists of engineers with diverse backgrounds in Aerospace Engineering, Computational Science and Engineering, Robotics, and Computer Graphics, fostering a multidisciplinary approach.

• The reporting structure is likely flat, common in startups, with a focus on project ownership and direct contribution rather than rigid hierarchy.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Innovation: While the role is hands-on hardware, the company develops software for "on-board UAV situational awareness," suggesting a strong reliance on data processing and algorithmic development.

• Rapid Prototyping & Iteration: The emphasis on building physical prototypes, 3D printing, and fast iteration loops highlights a methodology centered on agility and quick feedback cycles.

• Technical Risk-Taking: The company encourages taking technical risks and implementing solutions the "right way," promoting a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "deep-tech" and "autonomy, perception, and defense" suggests a technically rigorous and problem-solving-oriented culture. The location within the TU Delft Aerospace Innovation Hub further reinforces an environment of cutting-edge research and development, strong academic ties, and a startup ecosystem.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level to junior engineer. It's ideal for individuals who are passionate builders and tinkerers, looking to gain practical, hands-on experience in robotics and UAV systems. The emphasis is on learning by doing and developing core competencies in hardware integration and field testing.

Reporting Structure: The engineer will likely report to a lead engineer or a technical manager overseeing hardware development. Given the startup environment, direct interaction with founders and senior technical staff is probable, allowing for significant mentorship opportunities.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "revenue operations" role, this position is critical to the company's GTM strategy by enabling the development and validation of core product technologies. The engineer's work directly impacts the functionality, reliability, and performance of the UAV systems, which are the foundation for the company's software solutions and future product offerings. Successful prototyping and testing de-risk future development and accelerate product deployment.

Growth Opportunities:

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

• Broader Systems Knowledge: Gain exposure to perception software, autonomy algorithms, and system-level integration within the defense/security sector.

• Project Ownership: Progress to leading specific hardware development or testing initiatives as experience grows.

• Industry Exposure: Develop a strong understanding of the deep-tech and defense technology landscape through collaboration with partners and clients.

• Leadership Potential: For high performers, opportunities for technical leadership within hardware teams may emerge as the company scales.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory here is clearly technical. While not focused on traditional business operations, the role's contribution to product development and validation is crucial for the company's overall Go-To-Market success. The emphasis on "project ownership" and "taking technical risks" suggests a culture that empowers individuals to grow their technical scope and impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Aerospace Innovation Hub in Delft, Netherlands. This is a collaborative startup hub environment, likely fostering interaction with other tech companies and researchers from TU Delft. It's designed to be a dynamic and innovative workspace.

Office Location(s): Aerospace Innovation Hub, Delft, TU Delft campus, Netherlands. This location offers proximity to academic resources and a vibrant tech ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is hands-on, involving direct interaction with hardware, tools, and testing equipment. Expect a lab-like environment with areas for assembly, 3D printing, soldering, and system integration.

• Access to relevant operations tools and technology, including flight controllers, compute boards, sensors, 3D printers, oscilloscopes, and potentially specialized testing rigs.

• Opportunities for direct team interaction, collaboration with fellow engineers, and feedback loops with software developers and project leads. The environment encourages a "builder" mentality.

Work Schedule: Full-time with genuinely flexible working hours, allowing for personal scheduling. However, the hybrid nature means 3 days per week are expected on-site in Delft, with up to 2 days remote. Field testing may require adjusted schedules or travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Aerospace Innovation Hub" context implies a modern, potentially open-plan office space with dedicated lab facilities. The hybrid model with 3 days in-office is typical for roles requiring shared resources and collaborative work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Candidates submit their resume/CV and, crucially, links/photos showcasing their practical projects (drone builds, electronics, 3D prints, GitHub). This is the primary filter.

• Questionnaire: Promising candidates will receive a questionnaire to assess technical depth, problem-solving approach, and alignment with the company's culture and specific needs.

• Interviews: Subsequent interviews will likely delve into technical details of past projects, hands-on experience, troubleshooting scenarios, and understanding of core concepts (Linux, embedded systems, flight controllers).

• Final Discussion: If a strong fit is identified, final discussions will cover role specifics, expectations, and potential for mutual engagement.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that directly demonstrate the skills mentioned: building drones, working with electronics, 3D printing, FPV systems, and any embedded software work.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use high-quality photos, videos, or even interactive demos if possible. For GitHub repos, ensure they are well-documented and showcase relevant code or project setup.

• Highlight the Process: For each project, briefly explain the problem you were trying to solve, your approach, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This demonstrates problem-solving skills.

• Quantify Achievements (if possible): While this is an entry-level role, any metrics or performance improvements you achieved through your builds are valuable.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to talk in detail about any project presented, including technical choices, trade-offs, and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared for questions on fundamental electronics, basic Linux commands, concepts of flight control systems, and embedded hardware.

• Troubleshooting Scenarios: Expect hypothetical scenarios related to drone hardware integration or flight test failures. Outline your systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving such issues.

• "Builder" Mindset: Articulate your passion for building, your approach to learning new technologies, and your comfort with rapid iteration and hands-on work.

• Company Alignment: Research Fiducial's mission, values, and the specific technology they are developing (UAV situational awareness) to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process heavily emphasizes a portfolio of practical work. Candidates should prioritize showcasing their "maker" capabilities. The interview process will likely be very practical, focusing on assessing hands-on skills and problem-solving abilities through project discussions and hypothetical scenarios.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Flight Controllers: ArduPilot (primary focus), PX4 (potential familiarity).

• Compute Boards: NVIDIA Jetson, Orange Pi, Raspberry Pi (general embedded compute platforms).

• Prototyping: 3D printers (for custom parts, mounts, enclosures), soldering stations, hand tools, wiring supplies.

• Electronics: Oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers for debugging and testing.

• CAD Software: For designing 3D printed parts (specific software not mentioned, but common tools like Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or Onshape are likely).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this hardware engineering role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack revolves around the physical components of drones and embedded systems. Proficiency with these specific hardware tools and platforms is crucial. Familiarity with the ecosystem around these components (e.g., specific IDEs for embedded development, Linux distributions like Ubuntu for Jetson) would be beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Technology: A deep, almost obsessive, interest in technology, particularly in autonomy, perception, and defense applications. This is reflected in the team's dedication and constant engagement with the subject matter.

• Hands-On & Builder Mentality: A strong emphasis on practical application, building, tinkering, and making physical things work. This is the core ethos for this role.

• Agility & Iteration: A culture that embraces rapid prototyping, quick feedback loops, and fast iteration to drive innovation and problem-solving.

• Ownership & Responsibility: Individuals are given significant freedom and responsibility over their work, expected to become experts in what they build and implement.

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

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration between hardware engineers, software developers, and potentially project managers or business development leads working with partners.

• Open Communication: Given the startup environment and international team, clear and direct communication is essential.

• Knowledge Sharing: While not explicitly stated, a team of passionate engineers likely engages in informal knowledge sharing, problem-solving discussions, and technical debates.

• Experimental Approach: A comfort with taking technical risks and learning from both successes and failures in a collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is clearly driven by a shared passion for deep-tech and a hands-on, "maker" approach. The emphasis on "large freedom" and "project ownership" suggests an environment where motivated individuals can thrive and have a significant impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Hardware Iteration: Constantly adapting to new sensor technologies, compute platforms, and evolving project requirements in a fast-paced R&D environment.

• Integration Complexity: Seamlessly integrating diverse hardware components (sensors, compute, power, flight controllers) and ensuring they function reliably together under demanding conditions.

• Field Testing Realities: Dealing with unpredictable environmental factors during outdoor flight tests and quickly diagnosing/resolving issues that arise in the field.

• Deep-Tech Development: Working at the frontier of autonomy and perception in defense applications, which involves navigating complex technical hurdles and potentially stringent requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Expertise: Develop deep practical skills in UAV hardware assembly, integration, soldering, 3D printing, and flight testing.

• Embedded Systems Proficiency: Gain significant experience with embedded compute platforms (Jetson, etc.) and their integration into real-world systems.

• Flight Control Systems: Become an expert in configuring and troubleshooting advanced flight control software like ArduPilot.

• Perception Software Deployment: Learn the practical aspects of deploying and debugging perception algorithms on edge hardware.

• Industry Exposure: Work on cutting-edge projects within the defense and autonomy sectors, gaining insights into industry trends and partner collaborations.

• Technical Ownership: Develop strong project management and technical leadership skills through direct responsibility for hardware components and systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in a cutting-edge deep-tech startup. The growth opportunities are strongly tied to acquiring specialized, hands-on technical skills and taking on increasing levels of responsibility within the hardware development lifecycle.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Deep Dive: Be prepared to walk through 1-2 of your most relevant personal projects in detail. Discuss your design choices, the challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learned. Focus on projects involving building physical systems, electronics, or robotics.

• Troubleshooting Scenarios: Expect questions like: "Your drone isn't arming, what steps do you take to diagnose the issue?" or "During a flight test, a sensor starts providing erratic data; how would you approach this?" Outline your systematic troubleshooting methodology.

• Technical Fundamentals: Review basic Linux commands, concepts of electronics (voltage, current, resistance), and the general principles of flight control systems (e.g., what is a flight controller, what is an ESC).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: Why Fiducial? Why this role? What specifically about UAVs, robotics, and deep-tech interests you?

• "Builder" Mindset: How do you approach learning new hardware or software? Describe a time you had to figure something out on your own. What's your favorite tool or technique for making things?

• Teamwork & Collaboration: How do you handle disagreements on technical approaches? How do you communicate technical progress or issues to others?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project.

For each project, have a clear title, a brief description, photos/videos, and a summary of your role and learnings.

• Highlight Key Aspects: Ensure your selected projects clearly demonstrate:

  • Building/Assembly: Photos of completed drone structures, wiring harnesses, custom mounts.
  • Electronics: Examples of soldering, circuit integration, or custom PCBs.
  • Prototyping: Images of 3D-printed parts, CAD models.
  • Functionality: Videos of drones flying, systems operating, or electronics performing a task.

• Be Ready for Detail: Prepare to discuss the specific components used, any software involved (even if it's just configuring a flight controller), and the challenges encountered during the build and testing phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize practical experience. A well-prepared, visually rich portfolio is paramount. Candidates should be ready to articulate their "why" behind their projects and demonstrate a clear, methodical approach to building and problem-solving.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link (https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/Fiducial/072b7784-d66c-47ff-a185-d9373e24e067).

• Curate Your Portfolio: Gather high-quality photos, videos, or links to your drone builds, FPV rigs, electronics projects, CAD designs, 3D-printed parts, and GitHub repositories. Ensure these showcase your hands-on capabilities and problem-solving skills.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant practical experience, personal projects, and technical skills (Linux, electronics, robotics, 3D printing, soldering) prominently. Emphasize your "builder" mentality.

• Prepare for the Questionnaire: Anticipate technical questions and prompts to describe your project experiences and troubleshooting approaches.

• Research Fiducial: Understand their mission in deep-tech, autonomy, and defense. Familiarize yourself with their location at the TU Delft Aerospace Innovation Hub and their collaborative approach.

⚠️ 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.