Location: On-site, Ground Floor, Plot No. 7A, Prashanth Nagar, IDA Kukatpally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500072About ACCEL UAV Pvt LtdAccelUAV is a deep tech defence startup headquartered in Hyderabad, building long-range, reliable, and autonomous cyber-physical systems for defence and enterprise applications.Founded with a vision to push the limits of unmanned aviation, we began by designing and deploying high-endurance Hybrid VTOL quadplanes for large-scale geospatial mapping across complex terrains from dense urban environments to remote and inaccessible regions. Our platforms have logged 14,000+ flight hours and successfully executed 40+ real-world aerial mapping projects in under two years.Beyond enterprise GIS, AccelUAV has designed and delivered target drones for radar and RF calibration, high-altitude payload testing platforms for missile and glide-bomb seeker validation, and mission-critical aerial systems supporting national R&D programs.Today, we are entering our next phase.We are actively developing mothership-independent, long-range autonomous strike (land and air) and ISR cyber-physical systems that do not rely on manned aircraft for deployment, while continuing to advance dual-use defence and enterprise technologies for digital twins, smart cities, land records, infrastructure planning, and disaster response.We are a highly driven, multidisciplinary team operating with startup speed and defence-grade responsibility. Our work is grounded in execution—every system we build is field-tested; every line of code runs on real hardware, and every role carries direct, mission-level impact.About The JobWe are seeking a skilled and experienced Full-Time Software Engineer to join our team in transforming QGroundControl (QGC) into a secure, commercial-grade Ground Control System tailored for defence and regulatory compliance applications.The ideal candidate will have proven expertise in customizing open-source ground station software, with a strong focus on integrating advanced features for enhanced security, usability, and compliance.This role involves end-to-end ownership of Ground Control Station software, spanning UI, backend services, telemetry pipelines, payload control, and system validation on real UAV hardware.What You'll Do- Customize and enhance QGroundControl to meet commercial and defence-grade requirements. - Develop and integrate custom flight modes selectable from the QGC frontend. - Design, implement, and integrate custom widgets into QGC. - Integrate custom APIs for advanced functionalities, such as camera control options and other payload integrations. - Implement frontend UI modifications for enhanced security and compliance, including:1. Firmware tamper-proofing to ensure DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) compliance.2. Locking developers and debugging tools.3. Restriction of access to advanced settings.- Integrate and visualize Software Defined Radio (SDR) parameters within GCS, including:1. Link quality (RSSI, SNR)2. Bandwidth, frequency, modulation3. Packet loss and latency4. Build diagnostic and debug dashboards for communication links- Develop a robust user management system, featuring:1. Secure user login mechanisms.2. Role-based access control (Operator, Admin, Service roles).- Ensure commercial readiness through:1. Custom branding implementation.2. Integration of version control features.3. Controlled and secure firmware update processes.Required Qualifications and Skills- Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience. - Proven experience in QGroundControl customization and development. - Hands-on expertise with ArduPilot and/or PX4 autopilot systems. - Proficiency in Qt/QML, Qt Creator for UI development, MAVLink protocol, C++, and C. - Experience building backend services for telemetry, logging, and device control (C++ / Python / REST / gRPC preferred). - Understanding of IPC, networking, and data pipelines between GCS, companion computers, and payloads. - Strong understanding of UAV software ecosystems, security best practices, and regulatory compliance including Firmware flashing control and tamper-prevention mechanisms within GCS to support DGCA compliance. - Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. - Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.Why Join ACCEL UAV Pvt Ltd?- Fast Growth and Real Responsibility: Benefit from a flat hierarchy with direct access to the founding team and cross-functional collaboration, allowing early ownership of impactful projects. - Competitive Compensation: Competitive, based on skill and domain experience. - Comprehensive Benefits:oHealth insurance coverage.oLunch is provided at the office.oGenerous paid time off: 2 paid leaves per month, recognizing the importance of rest for sustained performance.- Structured Work Environment: 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday), Sunday holiday. Clear working hours from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a culture emphasizing discipline, outcomes, and work-life balance over unnecessary overtime.If you are passionate about contributing to India's defence technology advancements and thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply.By joining AccelUAV, you’re not just accepting a job, you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long-term success.To Apply: Please complete your application process on LinkedIn and email your resume and portfolio, highlighting your relevant experience, to [email protected] UAV Pvt Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Job Title
Software Engineer - Ground Control Systems