Rate: $43.46/hour

Who Are We: WIMTACH is one of the research departments at Centennial College. WIMTACH helps SMEs in the healthcare industry convert their innovative ideas into products by providing them access to expert faculty members, skilled researchers, skilled students, laboratories, and state-of-the-art equipment at Centennial College. 

Project: Autonomous Drone Fleet for Dynamic Agricultural Shading

Position Summary: We are seeking a Principal Investigator (PI) with expertise in UAV systems and electronics to support an applied research project focused on the development of an autonomous drone fleet for dynamic agricultural shading applications.
The PI will provide technical leadership in drone system architecture, electronics integration, flight systems development, and prototype validation. This role will support the research team in ensuring successful system design, hardware selection,

Duties and Responsibilities Include but Are Not Limited To: 

• Provide technical leadership for UAV system design and aerospace project execution
• Guide drone architecture development, subsystem integration, and prototype validation
• Support electronics selection, component compatibility, and procurement planning
• Oversee flight systems design, stabilization, communication systems, and control logic
• Assist with risk assessment, development planning, and technical decision-making
• Mentor student researchers working on aerospace, hardware, and system integration tasks
• Support performance validation, testing strategies, and technical troubleshooting
• Contribute to technical documentation, feasibility studies, and final project reporting

Key Competencies:

• University degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related program (Graduate degree is an advantage)
• Experience designing, assembling, commissioning, and validating UAV systems
• Extensive knowledge of UAV systems, drone architecture, and flight systems
• Familiarity with CAD tools, system design, and hardware integration
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment
• Good verbal and written communication skills

Specific Qualifications:

• Applicants should have strong academic, research, or industry experience in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical fields.
• Preferred additional experience includes expertise in UAV systems, drone electronics, embedded hardware, flight systems, communication systems, component selection, and prototype development. Familiarity with control systems, system integration, testing platforms, and applied research environments is strongly preferred. Previous leadership experience in aerospace R&D projects or multidisciplinary technical teams is considered a strong asset.

How to Apply:

Please submit resumé and cover letter in one document no later by 5:00pm on closing date to Pooyan Nayyeri PNayyeri@centennialcollege.ca . Please note that phone calls will not be accepted. 

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and advice that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.