Drone Manufacturing Engineer II

DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, focuses on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter‑drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance.

DRS RADA is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our growing UAV production team on‑site in Germantown, MD. This role will lead the effort to set up manufacturing for UAVs, including making work instructions, setting up production lines, and creating test procedures. Additional responsibility will be to provide support for the development and maintenance of the current UAV fleet used for testing.

• Design processes for the manufacturing of UAV components and assemblies
• Develop and maintain production workflows, bills of materials, and work instructions
• Oversee assembly, integration, and testing of UAV systems
• Ensure compliance with FAA, DoD, or commercial regulatory requirements
• Manage quality control
• Collaborate with R&D to transition prototypes to production

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing or related engineering field
• 2+ years of experience
• Proficiency in CAD (Solid Works preferred)
• Familiarity with 3D printing, electronics assembly, and general manufacturing processes
• Experience with aerospace, defense, or UAV manufacturing

• Experience with ITAR controlled products or defense manufacturing
• Experience with design, build, and fly of small UAVs
• Familiarity with setting up and tuning flight controller parameters (Ardu Pilot, PX4, Beta flight)
• FAA Part 107 certified
• Active U.S. security clearance (Secret or higher); candidates without a clearance may be considered

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

The salary range for this position is $-$. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to:
Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable).

Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage. We offer flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.

Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only.

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.