Aerial Systems Research Engineer I

STI; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits (HMO)

ESOP

401(k) plan

Dental and vision plans

Tuition Assistance Programs

Job summary

Systems Technology Inc. (STI) is a private, employee‑owned company with a long‑standing growth plan. STI seeks a Research Engineer I to join its UAS product development team, bridging hardware and software to design, build, integrate, and test flight platforms.

The role emphasizes C/C++ and Python for embedded software, MATLAB/Simulink tooling, and hands‑on experience with UAS hardware. It offers ESOP and a path to senior engineering contributions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Strong skills in C/C++ and/or Python for embedded or autonomy software development.
• Hands-on experience with UAS hardware — flight controllers, sensors, payload integration, or custom PCB/wiring harness work.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, analysis, or controls a plus.
• Familiarity with autopilot firmware/ecosystems (ArduPilot, PX4) or MAVLink-based ground control software strongly preferred.
• Experience with stability and control system design/assessment and/or vehicle flight modeling and simulation.
• Experience in the aerospace industry required; direct UAS/UAM/sUAS hands-on build or flight-test experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Supports design, integration, and bring-up of UAS avionics hardware — flight controllers, autopilot boards, power distribution, sensor payloads, and companion computers.
• Develops and maintains embedded and companion-computer software in C/C++ and Python for autopilot integration, autonomy behaviors, sensor fusion, and payload control.
• Performs design and analysis tasks in vehicle modeling, guidance, navigation and control, and flight test.
• Supports design and implementation of MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++ based tools and displays for flight test, vehicle assessment, and autonomous operations.
• Assists with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) simulation setups to validate subsystems prior to flight test.
• Supports ground control station (GCS) integration and MAVLink-based command/telemetry links between vehicle and operator.
• Contributes to component selection, certification research, and supply-chain considerations for UAS hardware.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Embedded software

Autonomy software

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

MAVLink

ArduPilot/PX4

Job description

Systems Technology Inc. (STI) is a private, employee‑owned company with a long‑standing growth plan. STI seeks a Research Engineer I to join its UAS product development team, bridging hardware and software to design, build, integrate, and test flight platforms.

The role emphasizes C/C++ and Python for embedded software, MATLAB/Simulink tooling, and hands‑on experience with UAS hardware. It offers ESOP and a path to senior engineering contributions.