Uncrewed Aerial System Design and Integration Engineer

Uncrewed Aerial System Design and Integration Engineer

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Are you interested in working in multi-disciplinary teams to advance the state-of-the-art in autonomous systems, uncrewed air systems, artificial intelligence, software design, embedded systems, virtual reality, and simulation?

Are you interested in applying your skills to conceive, design, prototype and test new capabilities in intelligent autonomous systems that will save US warfighter’s lives and ensure our nation’s preeminence?

• If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, we are looking for someone like you to join our team in the Intelligent Combat Systems Group at APL!

Who are we?

We are the Intelligent Combat Systems Group, and our mission focus is to ensure our nation maintains the operational advantage on the future battlefield through foundational advances in artificial intelligence, autonomy, manned‑unmanned teaming and novel unmanned aircraft (e.g. drones) design and testing. We believe the future of warfare will be defined by intelligent autonomous systems capable of fighting with machine precision at machine speeds.

Whether it is developing the intelligence that drives autonomous wingmen behaviors, integrated real‑time collaboration tools and data analytic architectures, or novel AI design tools and software, the Intelligent Combat Systems Group is at the forefront. Three of our recent game‑changing projects (DARPA Air Combat Evolution, AFRL Golden Horde, and Air Force Sky Borg) are featured in recent news articles, highlighting our impact and innovation.

We are seeking inquisitive and creative team members who like to tackle challenging problems to help us build the next generation of autonomous combat systems and shape the future of warfare. Our team is an entrepreneurial and multidisciplinary team committed to developing technical talent, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, while having fun with what we do!

• Lead the hands‑on integration of avionics, payloads, and propulsion systems, taking novel uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) from CAD models and bare airframes to flight‑ready vehicles.
• Perform the complete mechanical and electrical build of UAS platforms, including composite fabrication and repair, component installation, custom wiring harnesses, and soldering.
• Serve as a key member of the field test team, responsible for pre‑flight checks, ground station operation, system troubleshooting, and post‑flight data analysis.
• Configure, tune, and validate UAS flight control systems, working directly with autopilot software and performing sensor calibrations and GNC gain tuning to optimize flight performance.
• Contribute to the overall system design by conducting trade studies on components (sensors, actuators, power systems) and providing practical feedback to the design team based on real‑world integration and flight experience.
• Develop and execute system‑level test plans to verify and validate vehicle performance against mission requirements.

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Have demonstrated experience of direct, hands‑on design, building, integrating, and/or testing of custom uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
• Possess experience in the mechanical and electrical assembly of complex aerospace systems, including proficiency in soldering, wiring, and hardware troubleshooting.
• Are proficient with modern UAS autopilot systems (e.g., PX4, Ardu Pilot) and their associated ground control software.
• Have a strong, practical understanding of core UAS subsystems, including avionics, GNC, propulsion, and electrical systems.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If…