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 solutionsSelect and evaluate commercial off-the-shelf drone hardware, including aircraft platforms, batteries, communication systems, cameras, gimbals, sensors, navigation hardware, and supporting ground equipmentCollaborate with mechanical engineers to guide designs for hardware mounting, packaging, protection, cooling, and integrationIntegrate selected hardware into complete flight and ground systems, including electrical, mechanical, communication, and payload interfacesDevelop and execute ground, flight, and system-level test plans to validate performance, reliability, and operational readinessTest and validate hardware supporting autonomous flight, drone-to-drone coordination, and X-ray imaging operationsTroubleshoot integration and test issues, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actionsMaintain bills of materials, hardware configurations, interface documentation, test records, and integration proceduresEvaluate suppliers, manage technical communication with vendors, and support procurement and hardware availability decisionsSupport 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 systemsFAA Part 107 LicenseExcellent 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 equipmentFamiliarity with common autopilot ecosystems and ground-control software, such as PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl, or Mission PlannerExperience developing and executing ground tests, flight tests, and system-level verification proceduresFamiliarity with autonomous flight, multi-vehicle operations, navigation systems, or drone-to-drone communicationFamiliarity 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 insuranceFlexible scheduleHealth insuranceLife insurancePaid time offVision insurance Work Location: In person