UAS Engine Engineer

Overview

Small UAS Engine Engineer SME who supports propulsion engineering activities for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in support of an Air Force System Program Office. The role involves collaboration with government teams and contractors across development, testing, production, and sustainment to ensure propulsion performance and program execution.

• Provide engineering and technical support for small piston engines used in UAS across development, production, test, and sustainment.
• Perform in‑office technical support to Program Managers, engineers, and Integrated Product Teams, including propulsion engineering analysis, requirements traceability, technical documentation review, and issue tracking.
• Coordinate with prime contractors, UAS manufacturers, and engine vendors; review engine designs, data packages, analyses, and compliance artifacts.
• Support test and evaluation activities for small piston engines, including test planning, on‑site test execution support, data reduction, performance monitoring, durability assessments, and engine anomaly documentation.
• Participate in program technical forums (e.g., Technical Interchange Meetings, design reviews, airworthiness activities, readiness reviews); prepare briefings and technical content; manage action items.
• Provide lifecycle and sustainment engineering support, including reliability and maintainability assessments, maintenance concepts, technical order inputs, obsolescence tracking, and sustainment planning.
• Travel as required to contractor facilities, government test locations, depots, and flight test sites to support propulsion activities and program execution.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience in propulsion, mechanical systems, or related engineering roles, with exposure to small piston engines (UAS, aviation, powersports, or similar).
• Experience supporting engineering, test, or sustainment activities across development, integration, or operational environments.
• Ability to review and interpret technical documentation, including engine specifications, test reports, engineering drawings, and performance data.
• Experience working in or supporting government program offices or defense acquisition environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to support technical meetings and coordinate across teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to approximately 25% to contractor facilities, government sites, test locations, and depots; surge travel up to 50% may be required.
• Active DoD Secret clearance is required.

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Experience with small piston aviation engines used in UAS (2‑stroke, 4‑stroke, or heavy‑fuel engines).
• Hands‑on experience supporting engine ground test or flight test activities, including data analysis and anomaly investigation.
• Familiarity with UAS propulsion integration, including fuel systems, cooling, controls, and airframe interfaces.
• Experience supporting DoD acquisition programs across development, production, or sustainment of airborne systems.
• Knowledge of airworthiness processes (military or civil, e.g., Military Flight Release, FAA concepts applied to UAS).
• Experience with sustainment engineering, including reliability analysis, maintenance concepts, depot support, or obsolescence management.
• Ability to develop and support technical briefings and written products for program reviews, test events, and IPT meetings.
• Experience at test ranges, flight test organizations, or contractor facilities in a field support role.

Location:

Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio

Travel Requirements:
Minimal, 20–25%, with surge up to 50%

• K  offers competitive benefits including health coverage, retirement savings options, paid time off, and flexible work arrangements.
• Belong, Connect and Grow at K ; commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and safe workplace.
• Equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Ready to make a difference? Apply to join our National Security Solutions team supporting UAS propulsion engineering for DoD programs.

Fraud Alert: K  will never ask for advance payments or visa processing fees as part of recruiting.