UAS Design Engineer

Company Overview

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.

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The UAS Design Engineering Lead provides technical leadership and subject matter expertise in the design, rapid prototyping, integration, and testing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for government programs. This role ensures all engineering efforts—particularly for Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms—are aligned with contractual requirements, industry standards, and program objectives, while guiding a multidisciplinary team through all phases of the UAS lifecycle.

This is not a remote position; the selected candidate will be required to work onsite in Port Orange, FL.

• Technical Leadership: Direct and oversee the UAS design engineering team, ensuring technical excellence and innovation, with a focus on Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms.
• Requirements Analysis: Analyze, interpret, and decompose customer and stakeholder requirements into actionable engineering specifications, particularly for Group 1 and 2 unmanned aerial systems.
• Rapid Design & Prototyping: Quickly design, prototype, and iterate new UAS solutions based on evolving customer requirements and timelines, with demonstrated expertise in Group 1 and 2 UAS development.
• 3D Concept Development: Utilize Autodesk Inventor and/or Solid Works for advanced 3D modeling to develop, iterate, and refine UAS concepts, assemblies, and components from initial concept through final design.
• DFM/DFA Integration: Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) methodologies to ensure optimized production and assembly processes, reducing cost and complexity while improving quality and reliability.
• Systems Architecture: Lead the development and validation of UAS architectures, subsystems, and interfaces.
• Integration & Testing: Oversee system integration, test planning, execution, and design verification/validation efforts for Group 1 and 2 UAS.
• Risk Management: Identify technical risks; develop and implement mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Compliance & Standards: Ensure all designs adhere to relevant regulatory, military, and industry standards (e.g., FAA, DoD, MIL-STD), specifically as they apply to Group 1 and 2 UAS categories.
• Documentation: Prepare and review technical documentation, design artifacts, and compliance reports for stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as primary technical liaison with program management, customers, and suppliers.
• Team Development: Mentor, train, and support the continuous development of engineering staff.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in aerospace or defense engineering, including UAS design and development.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design, prototyping, integration, and testing of Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms, including knowledge of applicable DoD and FAA categorization and requirements.
• Proven experience applying Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) methodologies to optimize product designs for efficient manufacturing and assembly.
• Proven ability to develop and refine engineering concepts and solutions utilizing Autodesk Inventor and/or Solid Works for advanced 3D modeling.
• In depth knowledge and expertise in all aspects of UAS systems software: drone platform operating systems, component firmware, base station software, TAK software. Ability to load, configure and test SW as required on drones and drone system components. Ability to identify and relate technical software requirements to internal and external software developers.
• Software experience with UAS control and integration software including EdgeTX, MAVLink, Ardu Pilot, TAK APIs, Beta flight, etc.
• Demonstrated expertise in systems…