About Vernius
Vernius Systems is a U.S. defense technology company developing compact radar systems for autonomous drone interception.
Our Ukrainian engineering team works directly with interceptor manufacturers to integrate Vernius radar technology into existing UAV platforms and test these systems in real flight conditions.
We are looking for a hands-on FPV engineer who is equally comfortable building drones, designing mechanical parts in CAD, rapidly prototyping them, and taking the resulting aircraft into the field.
What you’ll do
Design radar mounts and other integration components for different interceptor airframes.
Rapidly prototype designs using CAD and 3D printing.
Install Vernius radar systems onto interceptor UAVs.
Build, modify, repair, and prepare interceptor prototypes for testing.
Integrate flight controllers, electronics, wiring, power systems, and communication hardware.
Work through mechanical integration issues including packaging, weight, balance, and center of gravity.
Iterate quickly: design → print → assemble → fly → diagnose → redesign.
Prepare aircraft for flight tests.
Support the GNC engineer during guidance and integration testing.
Diagnose hardware and mechanical issues discovered during testing.
Work directly with Ukrainian interceptor manufacturers and their engineering teams.
Help establish a fast prototyping and testing capability in the Kyiv office.
What we’re looking for
Extensive hands-on experience building and modifying FPV/UAV systems.
Strong practical understanding of FPV hardware:
flight controllers
ESCs
motors
receivers
power systems
telemetry and communication equipment
CAD experience and ability to design functional mechanical parts independently.
Practical 3D-printing experience.
Strong soldering, wiring, assembly, and troubleshooting skills.
Understanding of UAV weight distribution, center of gravity, vibration, and mechanical constraints.
Experience preparing and troubleshooting aircraft in real flight-test conditions.
Ability to prototype quickly rather than optimize indefinitely on a computer.
English
Sufficient to read technical documentation and communicate on basic technical topics.
Conversational English (B1+) is a strong advantage but not a strict requirement.
Strong advantages
Direct experience with interceptor drones.
Ability to pilot interceptor or high-performance FPV aircraft.
Experience conducting flight tests.
Experience integrating payloads or sensors onto UAV platforms.
Experience with ArduPilot, Betaflight, or PX4.
Experience working with Ukrainian defense-tech companies or military units.
Mechanical/aerospace engineering background.
Who this role is for
We value hands-on experience more than credentials.
Someone who has spent years building, modifying, flying, crashing, repairing, and improving real UAVs may be a stronger candidate than a traditional mechanical engineer with limited field experience.
We want someone who can receive a new interceptor airframe, understand it quickly, design an integration solution, manufacture the prototype, install it, and help get the aircraft into the air.
