Textron

Robotics/UAS Project Engineer

Textron$120K — $145K *
Aerospace & Defense
15+ years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Robotics, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field; 18+ years of UAS system integration experience.
  • M.S. in Robotics, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field; 20+ years preferred.
  • Expertise in advanced engineering solutions for unmanned system challenges.
  • Leadership experience in integrating UAS with advanced subsystems.
  • Extensive background in embedded systems and mission-critical UAS applications.
  • Strong skills in autonomy frameworks like ROS/ROS2, PX4, and ArduPilot.
  • Proficient in modeling and simulation for autonomy and mission execution.
  • Experience managing flight-test operations and multi-domain UAS configurations.

Responsibilities

  • Apply advanced technical principles to integrate UAS platforms with critical subsystems.
  • Develop innovative solutions for seamless hardware/software interoperability.
  • Lead integration activities for mission-ready UAS systems.
  • Oversee development of advanced mission payloads and their compatibility.
  • Direct implementation of navigation and control algorithms for UAS.
  • Manage communications integration for network interoperability.
  • Establish integration processes and verification strategies for UAS architectures.
  • Lead simulation-based system validation to mitigate flight testing risks.
  • Oversee comprehensive test planning and execution in various environments.
  • Conduct diagnostics and root-cause analyses for rapid resolution of challenges.
  • Provide technical leadership in design reviews and alignment of system requirements.

Benefits

  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Education Assistance
  • Career Development & Training Opportunities
  • Wellness Program (including Fitness Reimbursement)
  • Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(K) with Company Funding
  • Paid Parental Leave
Full Job Description
About This Role

We believe people should love what they do. In this role you will be responsible for:

  • Apply advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts to architect, lead, and execute the integration of UAS platforms with mission-critical subsystems-including automated target recognition (ATR), navigation and control algorithms, communication systems, and diverse payloads.
  • Work on complex technical problems and develop highly innovative solutions that enable seamless interoperability across hardware, software, autonomy, and mission-system components.
  • Lead end-to-end integration activities that bring together third-party sensors, autonomy modules, onboard computing, and communication links to transform baseline UAS into complete mission-ready systems.
  • Oversee the development and integration of advanced mission payloads, including EO/IR and AI-enabled perception systems, ensuring compatibility with onboard processing, data pathways, and vehicle command-and-control.
  • Direct the implementation and tuning of navigation, guidance, and control algorithms, resilient navigation approaches, and closed-loop system validation.
  • Manage system-level communications integration, ensuring robust data links, network interoperability, and compliance with operational and security requirements.
  • Establish and refine integration processes, technical standards, and system verification strategies for complex UAS mission architectures.
  • Lead simulation-based system validation, including high-fidelity modeling of autonomy, sensor performance, communication networks, and mission workflows to reduce risk prior to flight testing.
  • Oversee test planning and execution across laboratory, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), field-test, and flight-test environments to validate integrated system performance under realistic operational conditions.
  • Conduct sophisticated diagnostics and root-cause analyses across mechanical, electrical, software, and algorithmic domains to rapidly resolve integration challenges.
  • Provide technical leadership in cross-functional design reviews and ensure alignment of mission requirements, system architecture, and verification plans across all UAS subsystems.
  • Mentor engineering staff, guide technical development roadmaps, and serve as a senior technical liaison with customers, leadership, and multidisciplinary partners.


Qualifications

  • B.S. in Robotics, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field; 18+ years of experience in UAS system integration, mission-system development, and validation
  • M.S. in Robotics, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field; 20+ years of experience in UAS system integration, mission-system development, and validation preferred.
  • Demonstrated expertise applying advanced engineering principles to develop highly innovative solutions for complex unmanned system integration challenges.
  • Proven leadership in integrating UAS with advanced subsystems such as ATR systems, onboard AI/ML modules, navigation and control algorithms, communication architectures, and mission payloads.
  • Extensive experience with embedded systems, onboard computing, middleware, and hardware/software co-design for mission-critical UAS applications.
  • Strong proficiency in autonomy frameworks (ROS/ROS2, PX4, ArduPilot), including customization, tuning, and algorithm integration.
  • Deep understanding of modeling, simulation, virtual testing, and hardware-in-the-loop validation methods for autonomy, sensor processing, and mission execution.
  • Significant experience managing flight-test operations, system evaluations, data analysis, and verification/validation across multi-sensor, multi-domain UAS configurations.
  • Ability to influence technical direction, drive architectural decisions, and communicate complex system interactions to executive stakeholders, customers, and engineering teams.
  • Possesses or has ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance.

About Textron

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems.

Textron Careers

Joining Textron means becoming part of a global network of experienced professionals and leaders who are committed to driving innovation and excellence in various industries. At Textron, we offer a multitude of job opportunities that allow you to explore your potential and advance your career in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Work You’ll Do

At Textron, you will engage in meaningful work that makes a real impact. Whether you are in engineering, finance, manufacturing, or IT, every position contributes to our culture of innovation and leadership. Our team is dedicated to developing solutions that not only meet but exceed the needs of our customers across the globe.

Explore Our Diverse Opportunities

Textron is not just a company; it's a community where growth and development are encouraged. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, the diversity of paths available ensures that your career journey is uniquely yours. We offer professional development through a variety of training programs and mentorships, designed to enhance your skills and broaden your perspectives.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Textron internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry experience and a chance to see how your studies apply to real-world scenarios. Interns at Textron gain hands-on experience, work alongside seasoned professionals, and participate in projects that challenge and grow their skills.

Benefits and Culture

Textron is committed to the well-being and continuous growth of our employees. We offer competitive benefits packages that support the health, happiness, and security of our team and their families. Our culture is built on a foundation of respect, diversity, and inclusion, where everyone’s contribution is valued.

Join Our Team

We are always looking for curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Search open positions that match your skills and interests on our Textron Jobs portal. We look for individuals who are passionate about making a difference and ready to contribute to our culture of excellence.

Leadership and Development

Prepare to lead at Textron. Our leadership programs are designed to foster the next generation of industry leaders, equipped with the tools to innovate and drive success. Through targeted training and hands-on experience, you’ll develop the leadership skills necessary to advance within the company.

Stay Connected

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Networking and Career Growth

Enhance your career through Textron’s extensive networking opportunities. Connect with colleagues and leaders through our internal platforms and community events, helping you to build relationships and advance your career.

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Learn more about Textron
Size
33,000 employees
Market Cap
$14.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$309 million
Founded
1923
5 Year Trend
-2.1%
Revenue
$11.6 billion
NASDAQ

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