THE ROLEWe are seeking a UAS Flight Engineer to join our growing hardware team. This is a hands-on engineering role focused on fixed-wing UAV development, BVLOS operations planning, and systems integration. You will focus on a critical component of our platform - designing, building, operating, and iterating on a purpose-built aerial system where the airframe, autopilot stack, and payload integration are all co-developed from the ground up. This role will work alongside a small, highly technical team at the intersection of advanced science, cutting-edge engineering, and field operations, moving us from early prototype flights toward a hardened, field-proven platform capable of executing precision missions in demanding international environments.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES- Configure, tune, and iterate on autopilot firmware for fixed-wing airframes, including PID tuning, failsafe logic, auto modes, and mission scripting;
- Design, build, and iterate on fixed-wing airframes suited to a variety of payload designs, working across aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion integration;
- Plan BVLOS operations planning and flight test execution, including waiver compliance, pre-flight risk assessment, and real-time mission monitoring;
- Develop C2 link architecture, RF link budget, electronics integration, and spectrum compliance for long-range operations;
- Design software for custom ground station capabilities and user interfaces;
- Analyze flight logs (MAVExplorer, Flight Review) to diagnose anomalies and drive iterative improvements to vehicle performance and reliability;
- Collaborate with the science and field teams to integrate and validate onboard sensors, ensuring data quality and mission success;
- Document designs, test results, and standard operating procedures to build a scalable engineering knowledge base for the drone program.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's or Master's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a closely related field; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.
- 3-6 years of hands-on experience with Ardupilot-based autopilot systems, preferably in production-ready or real mission contexts;
- Proficiency in C++ and/or Python with experience reading, modifying, and debugging ArduPilot source code; familiarity with MAVLink protocol and GCS software (Mission Planner, QGroundControl);
- Practical fixed-wing airframe build and flight test experience, including manual RC aircraft proficiency and an understanding of aerodynamic design trade-offs for custom platforms;
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is a plus (or the ability to obtain is required); experience with BVLOS waivers, 107 Waivers, COA applications, manned aircraft operations, or international UAS regulations is a strong plus;
- Experience with RF link design, C2 spectrum compliance, antenna selection, and electronics integration for long-range UAV systems;
- Electronics design, integration, and PCB design is a strong plus;
- Experience with atmospheric sensing, meteorology or weather forecasting is a strong plus;
- Ability to work hands-on across the full hardware stack in a small team environment - from firmware and electronics to airframe fabrication and field deployment;
- Strong documentation habits, including maintaining changelogs, flight logs, test reports, and component specifications suitable for future scaling and external review;
- Experience supporting field campaigns or flight tests in remote or international environments is a plus;
- Genuine passion for building novel aerial platforms with real-world scientific or environmental impact, and comfort working at the intersection of hardware, firmware, and field operations.
LOCATION: Boulder, CO
The salary range for this role is $74,000 - $126,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Flagship Pioneering currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Flagship Pioneering's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.
