UAS Conceptual Design Engineer

SNC is seeking a highly skilled and innovative UAS Conceptual Design Engineer to join our dynamic engineering team. This role will play a crucial role in the early stages of UAS development, responsible for creating and refining initial design concepts that meet specified performance, cost, and regulatory requirements. This role requires a strong foundation in aerospace engineering principles, creativity, and the ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation; it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4

ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and consistently exceeds expectations – with an unrivaled record of on‑time and on‑(or under) budget deliveries.

• Develop innovative and feasible conceptual designs for UAS platforms
• Conduct feasibility studies and trade‑off analyses to evaluate various design options
• Perform preliminary aerodynamic, structural, and propulsion system analyses
• Utilize Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) tools and techniques to optimize UAS designs across multiple disciplines
• Generate 3D models and detailed design documentation using CAD software
• Collaborate with other engineering teams, including avionics, propulsion, and systems engineering, to ensure integrated design solutions
• Interface with customers and stakeholders to understand requirements and incorporate feedback into design iterations
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends to incorporate the latest advancements into conceptual designs
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical expertise to support project milestones
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate design concepts and progress to internal and external stakeholders

• Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or another related discipline and typically 10 or more years of relevant experience
• Higher education may substitute for relevant experience
• Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices
• Understanding of Computer Aided Engineering tools and Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
• Experience working in multi‑disciplinary design and development teams
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Solid Works, CATIA, NX) and computational analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, ANSYS)
• Experience with MDAO tools and techniques for optimizing complex engineering systems
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, flight mechanics, propulsion systems, and structural design principles
• Experience with systems engineering principles
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to think creatively to develop innovative design solutions
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required

• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry
• Supersonic UAS experience
• Experience with composite materials and advanced manufacturing techniques
• Knowledge of aircraft systems integration and overall aircraft performance characteristics

At Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) we deliver customer‑focused technology and best‑of‑breed integrations in the aerospace and defense sectors. SNC has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and one of America’s fastest‑growing companies. Learn more about SNC.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $ – $. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidate’s key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be…