Autonomous Flight Systems Field Engineer

Description

About the role:

The Autonomous Flight Systems Field Engineer is a hands-on technical role supporting the research, development, and operational testing of Flytrex's end-to-end drone delivery system. This position blends field flight operations with lab and bench engineering work, configuring, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting autonomous flight systems at the Flytrex Flight Test Facility. This is a full-time, on-site position.

The field engineer will maintain a thorough understanding of CFR 14 Part 107 regulations and ensure all operations comply with local, state, and federal requirements. Deep familiarity with ArduPilot-based flight controllers, Mission Planner, and autonomous systems integration is essential. Every crew member must demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, and a rigorous commitment to safety and operational protocols.

What You'll Do:

• Configure, tune, and validate Flytrex flight controllers and supporting hardware..
• Operate Flytrex Flight Control Software for mission planning, real-time telemetry review, and post-flight data analysis.
• Perform systems integration and testing, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, sensor calibration, and payload integration.
• Execute aircraft R&D functions and flight testing following strict procedures and checklists.
• Perform aircraft maintenance and ensure operational readiness of all flight systems and required equipment.
• Document daily flight activities, flight logs, and technical test reports with engineering-grade precision.
• Deconflict ground and air risks in compliance with CFR 14 Part 107 during all operations.
• Apply systematic root cause analysis to flight anomalies, hardware failures, and software faults.
• Assist with the design and continuous improvement of operational and testing procedures.
• Perform collateral duties as required

Work Environment

This job operates in outdoor environments including inclement and hot weather, extreme-cold conditions in addition to limited office work. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, radio, equipment, and telephones.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to operate autonomous vehicles. He or she performs the tasks of this duty and is required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit for extended periods of time; run; stand; walk; use hands to, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and general hours of work and days are Monday through Friday.

Travel

Travel is local to the position location.

Citizenship

This position requires U.S. Citizenship.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

Requirements:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with ArduPilot and/or similar flight controller platforms, including configuration, parameter tuning, and fault troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with Mission Planner and/or similar for mission planning, system configuration, and telemetry review.
• Experience with UAS systems integration and hardware testing, including sensor integration, calibration, and structured test protocol execution.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to diagnose complex system faults in field and lab environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce clear, accurate technical documentation and test reports.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment.
• Valid Driver's License (subject to driving record background check).

Preferred:

• Proficiency with MAVLink protocol or equivalent automation/scripting tools for UAS telemetry and workflow automation.
• Python proficiency for scripting, automation, and telemetry data analysis.
• Experience with Pixhawk hardware platforms.
• Familiarity with ROS, MAVSDK, DroneKit, or similar robotics/autonomy frameworks.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) or software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing environments.
• Experience with Jira for structured documentation of flight logs, maintenance records, anomaly tickets, and R&D experiments.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Technical degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent hands-on experience (3+ years working with autonomous UAS systems) will be considered in lieu of a formal degree