UAV/UAS Engineer

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

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Anduril

Skydio

Shield AI

Zipline

DJI

AeroVironment

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The job description

Tech stack. Airframe design and assembly, PX4/ArduPilot, QGroundControl, Mission Planner, RF datalinks, ground control stations, composite fabrication, Python, 3D printing

About the role

You will work at an unmanned systems manufacturer as a hands-on UAV generalist who keeps aircraft flying and programs moving. You split your time between the build bench, the flight line, and the design review, turning requirements into assembled, tested, and field-ready vehicles. This role matters because the company needs engineers who understand the whole aircraft in practice, not just on paper, and who can be trusted with customer aircraft and live operations. You will also serve as a field mentor for newer builders and technicians, raising the quality bar on every aircraft that leaves the shop and every operation the team runs.

What you will achieve

Build, configure, and flight-test UAV platforms from airframe assembly through maiden flights, delivering mission-ready aircraft to internal and customer programs on schedule.
Increase fleet reliability by diagnosing recurring field failures and driving corrective actions back into build procedures, component selection, and maintenance intervals.
Cut aircraft turnaround time between flights by designing efficient pre-flight, post-flight, and maintenance checklists tailored to each platform's failure modes.
Support customer demonstrations and field operations, executing safe and professional flight campaigns that build trust and win follow-on business.
Document aircraft configurations, flight logs, and maintenance records so every airframe carries a complete and auditable history from build to retirement.

What you will bring

Must-haves

2-5 years of hands-on experience building, flying, and maintaining multirotor or fixed-wing UAVs in professional or advanced hobbyist settings.
Proficiency with autopilot ecosystems (PX4, ArduPilot), ground control software, and mission planning tools for complex autonomous missions.
Practical skills in airframe assembly, composite repair, soldering, and wiring of avionics and power systems to a professional standard.
FAA Part 107 certification or the ability to obtain it quickly after starting.
Understanding of RF datalinks, telemetry systems, and basic link troubleshooting in field conditions with limited equipment.
Strong field judgment: you can make safe go/no-go calls under schedule pressure, changing weather, and customer scrutiny.
Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent hands-on experience with a strong portfolio of built aircraft.

Nice-to-haves

Experience with VTOL or hybrid fixed-wing configurations and their unique transition behaviors.
Background in EO/IR camera operations or mapping payloads and their data workflows.
Familiarity with FAA waivers, LAANC authorizations, and operational risk assessments.
Experience training junior builders or field technicians.