Drone Engineer

In today’s world of constant global security challenges, innovation in defense is no luxury. After years of budget cuts, military personnel needs to train and work with inadequate and insufficient equipment. We have an opportunity to change that.

At Intelic, we are a group of highly committed professionals building one of the fastest-growing start-ups based in Amsterdam. We create advanced software for unmanned systems in the defense sector. As a software company at our core, we build intelligence that gives unmanned platforms the speed, coordination and reliability that critical missions demand. Our technology ensures that decisions are made with accuracy when it matters most.

Responsibilities

As a Drone Engineer at Intelic, you will play a pivotal role in bringing unmanned aerial systems from concept to field deployment. You will design, build, and maintain lightweight drones, integrating both hardware and software to ensure optimal mission readiness. Your work directly contributes to developing autonomous defense capabilities and delivering reliable systems into the hands of operators.

In practice, this means:

• Design and customize drone components and subsystems using CAD.

• Assemble and integrate airframes, electronics, and sensors (including 3D-printing workflows).

• Configure, test, and maintain flight systems (pre: PX4 / ArduPilot).

• Conduct real-world flight tests to validate design choices.

• Support validation, verification, and field-testing of mission-critical systems.

• Collaborate closely with software engineers, defense experts, and operations teams.

What You Will Bring

You have an engineering background and feel confident working on both the mechanical and electronic aspects of unmanned aerial systems. You understand how to move from CAD design to a working prototype, and you know what it takes to keep a drone reliable during testing and field use. You’re comfortable working with flight control software and enjoy tackling technical challenges together with colleagues from different disciplines.

This includes:

• A technical degree (HBO/Bachelor or higher) in Mechatronics, Aerospace, Robotics, or similar.

• Experience in assembling, configuring, and operating drones.

• Knowledge of flight control stacks such as PX4 and/or ArduPilot.

• Skills in CAD design and prototyping methods (3D printing, CNC, basic machining).

• Ability to work with embedded software or scripting (C++, Python, or ROS2).

• Clear communication skills and flexibility to support field tests, including abroad.

Our Tech Stack

• Flight stacks: PX4, ArduPilot

• Design & prototyping: SolidWorks, Fusion360, 3D-printing, CNC

• Onboard software: C++, Python, ROS2

• Simulation & validation: Unreal Engine 5, Gazebo

• Supporting tools: GitHub, Docker, CI/CD pipelines for testing

What Success Looks Like in Your First Year

• You have designed, built, and flight-tested several drone prototypes that support Intelic’s autonomous mission platform.

• You’ve become the go-to person within the team for UAV hardware integration and maintenance.

• You’ve actively contributed to field demonstrations with defense partners and seen your work deployed in operational conditions.

• You’ve helped bridge hardware and software, ensuring Intelic’s drones perform reliably under real-world stress.

Why Join Intelic

• Talented Team: Collaborate with some of the brightest engineers and defense experts in the Netherlands.

• Scale-up Momentum: Join at a pivotal growth stage where you can help shape both the product and the company.

• Hands-On Testing: See your work in action through regular real-world field testing.

• Meaningful Impact: Contribute to mission-critical technology that directly improves safety and effectiveness in defense operations.

• Innovation at the Core: Tackle complex engineering challenges and push the boundaries of autonomy in defense.

What We Offer

At Intelic, you will be part of an ambitious scale-up where teamwork, learning and impact drive everything we do. Growth happens quickly here, giving you the chance to take ownership and shape your career from the start. We build together and back our people with benefits that support life in and out of work.

Benefits & Perks:

• Salary including 8% holiday allowance

• 25 vacation days per year, based on full-time employment

• Bike plan

• Sports membership

• Travel reimbursement

• Pension

We look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you. If you have any questions, please contact our recruiter Sabina at sabina@intelic.ai