Defense UAV Engineer

Drone Mid-level (L4 equivalent) 2-5 years

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The job description

Tech stack. Ruggedized UAS design, MIL-STD-810 testing, ITAR/EAR awareness, secure communications, EO/IR payloads, tactical mission planning, systems engineering, configuration management

About the role

You will join a defense-focused unmanned systems company building aircraft for military and government customers. You engineer UAVs that survive harsh environments, meet stringent contractual requirements, and perform when missions depend on them. This role demands both technical excellence and fluency in the regulatory and operational realities of defense programs, where documentation discipline and requirement traceability are as important as the hardware itself. You will participate in design reviews with government customers, defending technical decisions with analysis and test data, and you will help shape proposal technical volumes so the company bids work it can genuinely execute within the proposed cost and schedule constraints. Your engineering judgment will directly affect mission outcomes, which is why rigor, honesty about limitations, and thorough documentation are non-negotiable.

What you will achieve

Design and integrate UAV systems that meet defense customer requirements for ruggedness, reliability, maintainability, and operational performance.
Qualify hardware through environmental testing aligned with MIL-STD-810 methods, producing evidence packages that withstand demanding customer scrutiny.
Reduce program risk by managing ITAR and EAR compliance in designs, documentation, supplier selection, and technical discussions from day one.
Support operational test events and field exercises, ensuring aircraft perform under realistic tactical conditions and operator handling.
Deliver technical data packages, operator manuals, and training materials that meet government program documentation standards.

What you will bring

Must-haves

2-5 years of experience developing UAVs or aerospace systems for defense or government customers on real programs.
Working knowledge of ITAR and EAR regulations and how they shape engineering work, documentation, and collaboration with partners.
Experience with ruggedization: designing for shock, vibration, temperature extremes, dust, moisture, and rough handling.
Familiarity with MIL-STD-810 test methods and the environmental qualification process from planning through reporting.
Understanding of secure communications concepts and proper handling of controlled technical data.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; an active clearance is a plus.
Bachelor's degree in engineering; U.S. person status required for ITAR-controlled work.

Nice-to-haves

Experience with tactical ISR payloads such as EO/IR systems and their integration.
Background in government proposal processes or program execution rhythms.
Prior military service or direct operational experience employing UAS.
Familiarity with MOSA (Modular Open Systems Approach) principles in defense acquisition.