Responsible for the development, integration, build, and tuning of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) using the ArduPilot ecosystem. This role owns the aircraft from early concept through prototype, flight test, and iteration—combining mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines to deliver reliable, production-ready systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop new UAS platforms and payload integrations from concept through flight-ready prototypes
- Define and implement system architecture including avionics, power distribution, communication links, and payload interfaces
- Build and integrate multirotor and small fixed-wing aircraft at the component and system level
- Configure and program flight controllers using ArduPilot, Mission Planner, and CubePilot hardware
- Perform flight tuning and performance optimization (PID tuning, filtering, control response, flight modes)
- Conduct system bring-up, ground testing, and full flight test campaigns
- Rapidly iterate designs based on test data, failures, and operational feedback
- Troubleshoot integration issues across mechanical, electrical, and software domains
- Support development of wiring architecture, harnessing, and component layout for reliability and maintainability
- Participate in design decisions with emphasis on safety, manufacturability, and serviceability
- Document system configurations, design changes, and test results in a controlled and repeatable manner
- Communicate technical risks, design tradeoffs, and development status clearly to the team
Required Skills & Experience
- Hands-on experience developing and building UAS, not just assembling kits
- Strong working knowledge of the ArduPilot ecosystem and Mission Planner
- Experience with CubePilot (Cube Orange, Cube Blue, etc.) or similar flight controllers
- Proven ability to take an aircraft from concept → prototype → flight
- Experience tuning aircraft for stable, repeatable, and mission-capable performance
- Working knowledge of:
- Electrical systems (ESCs, BECs, power distribution, grounding)
- Sensor integration (IMU, GPS, compass calibration and placement)
- System integration (how all subsystems interact under real flight conditions)
- Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills
- Comfortable working hands-on with tools, wiring, and hardware
Preferred / High-Value Skills
- Experience designing new aircraft configurations or payload systems
- Basic programming capability (C++, Python, MAVLink scripting, log parsing)
- Experience with companion computers (e.g., VOXL2) and onboard processing
- Familiarity with RF/communications systems (telemetry, video, LTE)
- CAD experience (Fusion / SolidWorks) for airframe or integration design
- Experience analyzing flight logs and driving design improvements from data
- Understanding of UAS operational and regulatory environments (e.g., Part 107 / Part 135 exposure)
Work Style Expectations
- Builder + developer mindset: not just “make it work,” but “design it better”
- Comfortable in fast-paced R&D: rapid iteration, incomplete information, evolving requirements
- Willing to own problems end-to-end—from design decisions through flight test validation
- Open to input and able to collaborate across engineering disciplines
- Communicates early when designs are not meeting expectations or timelines
Nice to Have (Not Required)
- Prior aerospace or robotics development experience
- Experience transitioning prototypes into repeatable builds or production
- Experience supporting or acting as a UAS test pilot
Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
