Job Description
**Principal Payload & Sensor Systems Engineer** | Hybrid - Pune | Full-time | INR 34.8-79.1 LPA
**About the role:**
- Position within Payload & Sensor Integration - Fundamentals, under the Unmanned Aerial Systems (Defense & Surveillance) vertical
- Level: senior level
- Reports to the functional head for Payload & Sensor Integration - Fundamentals
**What you'll do:**
- Handle core payload & sensor integration - fundamentals activities on a day-to-day basis
- Use Mission Planning regularly as part of core deliverables
- Work closely with adjacent teams to align priorities
- Track progress against agreed timelines and escalate issues proactively
**What you'll need:**
- Mission Planning
- Sensor Integration
- Surveillance Data Analysis
- Payload & Sensor Integration
- Testing & Validation Protocols
- Payload
- Ground Control Software
- Ph.D (Aerospace Engineering)
- 11+ years of relevant experience
**Good to know:**
- A typical day starts with reviewing priority tasks and syncing with the immediate team before moving into focused execution work. In addition to fixed pay, the role carries eligibility for annual appraisals and merit-based increments. Candidates are encouraged to highlight measurable outcomes from previous roles rather than just responsibilities held.
- The environment rewards initiative - people who flag problems early and propose fixes tend to grow faster here. New joiners typically get a short structured onboarding before being handed independent ownership of their first deliverables. The package is structured with a fixed component, performance bonus, and standard health coverage.
- Shortlisted applicants will be evaluated on both domain knowledge and practical problem-solving ability. The organisation places a premium on ownership; once a task is assigned, the expectation is to see it through without hand-holding. There is a defined internal mobility path for people who want to specialise deeper or move into people management.
- The organisation has historically promoted from within for a majority of its senior and lead openings. The role alternates between independent deep work and short coordination huddles with stakeholders across functions. High performers in this role typically move into a broader ownership scope within 18-24 months.
- Work culture here leans collaborative, with regular knowledge-sharing sessions and an open-door policy for raising concerns. References may be requested closer to the offer stage rather than at the start of the process. Most days include at least one review checkpoint where progress is discussed against the plan for the week.
- Performance is reviewed on a structured cycle, with clear criteria for movement into the next band. The team follows a flat structure where ideas are evaluated on merit rather than hierarchy, and feedback flows in both directions.
- Cross-functional exposure is built into the role by design, so the person will regularly interact with adjacent teams and leadership. Mornings are usually spent on planning and status reviews, while the rest of the day is given over to hands-on delivery and problem-solving.
**About the role:**
- Position within Payload & Sensor Integration - Fundamentals, under the Unmanned Aerial Systems (Defense & Surveillance) vertical
- Level: senior level
- Reports to the functional head for Payload & Sensor Integration - Fundamentals
**What you'll do:**
- Handle core payload & sensor integration - fundamentals activities on a day-to-day basis
- Use Mission Planning regularly as part of core deliverables
- Work closely with adjacent teams to align priorities
- Track progress against agreed timelines and escalate issues proactively
**What you'll need:**
- Mission Planning
- Sensor Integration
- Surveillance Data Analysis
- Payload & Sensor Integration
- Testing & Validation Protocols
- Payload
- Ground Control Software
- Ph.D (Aerospace Engineering)
- 11+ years of relevant experience
**Good to know:**
- A typical day starts with reviewing priority tasks and syncing with the immediate team before moving into focused execution work. In addition to fixed pay, the role carries eligibility for annual appraisals and merit-based increments. Candidates are encouraged to highlight measurable outcomes from previous roles rather than just responsibilities held.
- The environment rewards initiative - people who flag problems early and propose fixes tend to grow faster here. New joiners typically get a short structured onboarding before being handed independent ownership of their first deliverables. The package is structured with a fixed component, performance bonus, and standard health coverage.
- Shortlisted applicants will be evaluated on both domain knowledge and practical problem-solving ability. The organisation places a premium on ownership; once a task is assigned, the expectation is to see it through without hand-holding. There is a defined internal mobility path for people who want to specialise deeper or move into people management.
- The organisation has historically promoted from within for a majority of its senior and lead openings. The role alternates between independent deep work and short coordination huddles with stakeholders across functions. High performers in this role typically move into a broader ownership scope within 18-24 months.
- Work culture here leans collaborative, with regular knowledge-sharing sessions and an open-door policy for raising concerns. References may be requested closer to the offer stage rather than at the start of the process. Most days include at least one review checkpoint where progress is discussed against the plan for the week.
- Performance is reviewed on a structured cycle, with clear criteria for movement into the next band. The team follows a flat structure where ideas are evaluated on merit rather than hierarchy, and feedback flows in both directions.
- Cross-functional exposure is built into the role by design, so the person will regularly interact with adjacent teams and leadership. Mornings are usually spent on planning and status reviews, while the rest of the day is given over to hands-on delivery and problem-solving.