Aerial Systems Integration Engineer — Autopilot & Payloads

flagshippioneeringinc; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Flagship Pioneering is seeking an experienced UAS Systems Integration Engineer II to join our hardware team. This role sits at the intersection of firmware, electronics, and airframe design, driving the autopilot stack, airframe integration, and C2 link from concept to field-ready deployment.

You will work in a small, high-caliber team to develop end-to-end systems capable of precision scientific missions in demanding international environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in aerospace, electrical, mechanical, or computer science (or equivalent hands-on experience).
• BS + 2-4 or MS + 0-2 years hands-on hardware/software systems integration experience in real-mission or production contexts.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, with experience reading, modifying ArduPilot code; MAVLink familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Configure, tune autopilot firmware for fixed-wing airframes using ArduPlane.
• Read, modify, and debug ArduPilot source code (C++) to extend autopilot capabilities and resolve anomalies.
• Design, build, and iterate fixed-wing airframes for payload capacity, endurance, and resilience.
• Support flight test campaigns with pre-flight checks, telemetry setup, and rapid fixes between flights.
• Develop C2 link architecture, RF link budgets, electronics integration, and spectrum strategies for long-range BVLOS.
• Design and implement custom ground station software and mission-planning interfaces.
• Integrate and validate onboard science payloads and sensors for data integrity and mission performance.
• Analyze flight logs to diagnose issues and drive improvements in reliability.
• Design and fabricate electronics, including PCB layout for power distribution and avionics integration.
• Document designs, tests, firmware changes, and component specs for a scalable knowledge base.

Skills

C++

Python

ArduPilot

MAVLink

GCS tooling

RF design

PCB design

Systems integration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in a relevant field

Tools

ArduPlane

ArduPilot

PX4

MAVLink

GCS tools

Job description

Flagship Pioneering is seeking an experienced UAS Systems Integration Engineer II to join our hardware team. This role sits at the intersection of firmware, electronics, and airframe design, driving the autopilot stack, airframe integration, and C2 link from concept to field-ready deployment.

You will work in a small, high-caliber team to develop end-to-end systems capable of precision scientific missions in demanding international environments.