Research Engineer in Aerial Robotics for ATLAS Project (euROBIN)

Job description

The ENAC Dynamic Systems Research Axis has been at the forefront of research on fixed-wing and rotary-wing outdoor flights since 2005, with a focus on its open-source autopilot system, Paparazzi (wiki.paparazziuav.org). Our expertise spans aerodynamics, control, guidance, decision-making, and multidisciplinary optimization of flying vehicles for various missions. These capabilities have been demonstrated in several national and international projects, including VOLTIGE, SKYSCANNER, BACCHUS, MISTRALE, NEPHELAE, PANACHE, and most recently, FIREFLIES and FLYHIGH.

Our Drones & UTM Research Chair, sponsored by Airbus and Sopra Steria, addresses the critical challenge of integrating unmanned aerial systems (UAS) safely into controlled and uncontrolled airspace. We believe that a comprehensive understanding of UAS design, control, guidance, and intelligence is essential for tackling these challenges from a research perspective.
At ENAC, we are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to bring our ideas to life:
* Indoor Flight Arena: A 10m x 10m x 10m space with an OptiTrack motion capture system.
* Outdoor Flight Facility: Located at the Muret radio-controlled model aircraft field, south of Toulouse, France.
* Open-Source Autopilot System: Full access to Paparazzi, developed in-house.
* Expertise in UAS design, control, and guidance.

These resources allow us to transform concepts into realistic demonstrations in both controlled and outdoor environments. If you are passionate about artificial intelligence in aviation, multi-agent systems, trajectory optimization, agile control, robotics, computer vision, new guidance and mitigation methods, autonomy, learning-based solutions, or any other topics related to advancing UAS technology, you will find exciting opportunities within our group!


Why We’re Hiring
With the starting of ATLAS Project, we will be concentrating more on an application use case of convertible vehicles. The research engineer will gather the existing know-how in our group and merge them into ATLAS Project’s needs for control, guidance, and trajectory tracking capabilities.
What we offer
·        Work on an ambitious and visible European project
·        Collaborate with a skilled research team in one of Europe’s top UAV research centers
·        Access to advanced facilities including outdoor flight fields, testbeds, and hardware labs
·        Opportunity to contribute to open-source codebases and scientific publications
·        Located in Toulouse, the European capital of aerospace innovation
Responsibilities of the Software Engineer
·        🛠️ Simulator Development: Extend or build from scratch a realistic simulation environment for fixed-wing convertible UAVs carrying a suspended payload.
·        ✈️ Control and Guidance: Develop and integrate advanced flight control algorithms, including transition handling (hover to wingborne flight) and cooperative multi-UAV guidance strategies.
·        🎯 Trajectory Tracking & Autonomy: Implement accurate and robust tracking control systems to enable quasi-static payload manipulation in real-world conditions.
·        🧪 Field Testing: Participate in indoor/outdoor flight campaigns, data collection, and system refinement through iterative testing.

Desired profile

Required Qualities and Qualifications
·        🎓 MSc or PhD in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Control Systems, or a related field
·        💻 Strong proficiency in Python and C++
·        🤖 Experience in UAV modeling, guidance & control, and simulation
·        🔄 Familiarity with at least one autopilot system: Paparazzi, ArduPilot, or PX4
·        🧠 Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research-focused team
·        ✍️ Strong documentation and communication skills in English
Bonus Skills
·        Experience with flight testing or hardware-in-the-loop simulation
·        Background in multi-agent systems or aerial manipulation
·        Knowledge of ROS or Gazebo for UAV simulation
 
Application Process:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via this online recruitment portal. The application should include a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, a list of publications/projects (if there are any…), and the name and contact information of at least one reference.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further interview and discussion.

About Enac

L’ENAC, École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile, est la plus importante des Grandes Écoles ou universités aéronautiques en Europe. Elle forme à un spectre large de métiers : des ingénieurs ou des professionnels de haut niveau capables de concevoir et faire évoluer les systèmes aéronautiques et plus largement ceux du transport aérien ainsi que des pilotes de ligne, des contrôleurs aériens ou encore des techniciens aéronautiques.
Ses laboratoires de recherche sont à la pointe de l’innovation et travaillent activement en coopération avec des universités internationales de haut niveau pour un transport aérien toujours plus sûr, efficace et durable.

L’ENAC est un établissement public à caractère scientifique, culturel et professionnel – grand établissement (EPSCP-GE), sous tutelle de la DGAC (Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile), Direction du Ministère de la Transition Écologique et Solidaire. L’ENAC comprend une direction générale localisée à Toulouse et 8 sites en France.
 
Pour soutenir sa dynamique en faveur de la promotion de la diversité, l’ENAC facilite l’accueil et l’intégration des travailleurs en situation de handicap.