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

ThinkOrbital

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Drone Hardware Engineer