Job DescriptionCOLSA is seeking a
UAS Integration Engineer & Test Pilot to manage the end-to-end integration of Group I, II, and III Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This includes the design, testing, programming, troubleshooting, repair, and operational flight of both multi-rotor and fixed-wing platforms. The ideal candidate is an experienced First Person View (FPV) pilot with a strong foundation in embedded systems, UAS hardware, and autonomous flight control technologies, combining hands-on engineering expertise with advanced flight operations in support of product development, testing, customer demonstrations, and operational missions.
- Design, assemble, integrate, test, troubleshoot, repair, and optimize Group I and II multi-rotor and fixed-wing UAS, including mechanical, electrical, and payload systems.
- Configure, program, calibrate, and troubleshoot sUAS subsystems, including but not limited to flight controllers, companion computers, electronic speed controllers (ESCs), brushless DC (BLDC) motors, Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, FPV systems, radios, sensors, and payload hardware.
- Plan and execute manual (Acro), FPV, and autonomous flight operations in diverse field conditions.
- Ensure all flight operations are conducted with exceptional situational awareness and in strict compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and aviation safety practices.
- Conduct pre-flight planning, risk assessments, system inspections, calibration of airborne and ground control equipment, and post-flight maintenance.
- Collect, analyze, and document flight test data; prepare technical reports and recommend design or process improvements.
- Participate in rapid prototyping, integration, validation, and testing of new UAS platforms and subsystems.
- Assemble mechanical and electrical components using standard fabrication tools, additive manufacturing systems, and other shop equipment.
- Document build procedures, integration processes, and testing methodologies to support repeatable manufacturing and engineering practices.
- Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve technical objectives and program milestones.
- Provide technical support during field testing, customer demonstrations, operational missions, and training events at CONUS and OCONUS military installations.
- Support the development of operational procedures, training materials, and demonstrations as required.
Required ExperienceRequired Qualifications- High school diploma or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 5-8 years of relevant UAS engineering, integration, or flight operations experience.
- Minimum of 1-2 years of demonstrated FPV flight experience with advanced manual (Acro) flight proficiency; a flight portfolio or demonstration reel showcasing precision manual maneuvering is highly desirable.
- Active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Proficiency with embedded systems, low-level debugging, and communication interfaces, including Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Inter-Integrated Circuit (IB2C), Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART), and Controller Area Network (CAN).
- Strong working knowledge of electrical systems, batteries, electronics, and the safe use of electrical measurement equipment.
- Experience integrating, programming, tuning, and troubleshooting PX4 and ArduPilot flight control systems on both multi-rotor and fixed-wing aircraft.
- Proficiency with mission planning and configuration software, including QGroundControl, Mission Planner, and Betaflight Configurator.
- Thorough understanding of sUAS hardware, including flight controllers, companion computers, electronic speed controllers (ESCs), motors, propellers, FPV systems, radios, GPS receivers, payloads, and related subsystems.
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and engineering documentation.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and technical documentation skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in fast-paced, mission-driven environments where priorities may change rapidly.
- Ability to obtain an interim Secret security clearance within six months of hire. U.S. citizenship is required.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% in support of testing, demonstrations, customer meetings, and operational missions, both CONUS and OCONUS.
Preferred Qualifications- Bachelors degree in engineering or a related field.
- Active Secret security clearance.
- Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) programs or military customers.
- Experience with sUAS design, prototyping, manufacturing, and assembly.
- Familiarity with mechanical systems, manufacturing processes, and parts compliance requirements.
- Proficiency with a mechanical design CAD tool, preferably SolidWorks.
- Experience designing for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Stereolithography (SLA) additive manufacturing processes, as well as traditional Computer Numerical Control (CNC) manufacturing processes.
- Experience assisting with technical training, demonstrations, or curriculum development.
Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
