Drone Hardware Engineer

*Job Title:* Drone Hardware Engineer *Location:* Boulder, Colorado *Employment Type:* Full-time *Salary Range:* From $100,000 to $125,000 depending on experience *About ThinkOrbital:* ThinkOrbital is developing ThinkXT, a first-of-its-kind drone-to-drone X-ray imaging system designed to enable rapid, flexible inspection of critical infrastructure and complex structures in the field. By combining advanced X-ray technology, autonomous aerial platforms, and purpose-built hardware, ThinkXT brings high-value inspection capabilities to locations that are difficult, dangerous, or costly to access using traditional methods. Our team is made up of driven engineers, scientists, and operators who thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on, mission-focused environment. *Position Summary:* We’re looking for a Drone Hardware Engineer to lead hardware selection, integration, and testing for our ThinkXT drone-to-drone X-ray system. This hands-on role will support the complete hardware stack, conduct system and flight testing, troubleshoot issues, and help mature ThinkXT into a reliable field-deployable product. *Key Responsibilities:* * Work with the product and systems teams to translate product requirements into practical hardware solutions * Select and evaluate commercial off-the-shelf drone hardware, including aircraft platforms, batteries, communication systems, cameras, gimbals, sensors, navigation hardware, and supporting ground equipment * Collaborate with mechanical engineers to guide designs for hardware mounting, packaging, protection, cooling, and integration * Integrate selected hardware into complete flight and ground systems, including electrical, mechanical, communication, and payload interfaces * Develop and execute ground, flight, and system-level test plans to validate performance, reliability, and operational readiness * Test and validate hardware supporting autonomous flight, drone-to-drone coordination, and X-ray imaging operations * Troubleshoot integration and test issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions * Maintain bills of materials, hardware configurations, interface documentation, test records, and integration procedures * Evaluate suppliers, manage technical communication with vendors, and support procurement and hardware availability decisions * Support flight readiness reviews, field demonstrations, and safe operation of drone and X-ray systems *Mandatory Qualifications:* * Bachelor's degree in engineering, or a related field. * Minimum of 3 years of experience in drones and sUAS systems * FAA Part 107 License * Excellent communication and documentation skills. * Ability to work hands-on in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. * Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership; able to take initiative, work independently, and tackle unfamiliar or ambiguous technical challenges with minimal guidance *Desired Qualifications:* * Experience integrating drone platforms, payloads, sensors, cameras, gimbals, communication systems, and ground-control equipment * Familiarity with common autopilot ecosystems and ground-control software, such as PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl, or Mission Planner * Experience developing and executing ground tests, flight tests, and system-level verification procedures * Familiarity with autonomous flight, multi-vehicle operations, navigation systems, or drone-to-drone communication * Familiarity with X-ray systems, radiation safety, nondestructive testing, or imaging payloads *What We Offer:* Competitive benefits and stock options Health, Vision and Dental Insurance Opportunity to shape next-generation space systems A small, fast-moving team where your impact is tangible Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) * Dental insurance * Flexible schedule * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Work Location: In person