DFR Solutions Architect

Motorola Solutions; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Motorola Solutions is seeking a Drone as First Responder (DFR) Solutions Architect to design end-to-end DFR solutions and lead deployments for CAPE, ensuring robust post‑deployment support.

Requires 3+ years in drone work, FAA Part 107, and a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred). Travel 50–75%, with strong CJIS compliance and public safety integration expertise.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of drone-related work experience.
• FAA Part 107 remote pilot certification required.
• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end DFR deployments and integration with CAPE.
• Provide expert remote and onsite support and CJIS-compliant architectures.
• Consult with public safety agencies and ensure system performance.

Skills

Drone experience

Public safety

Solution architecture

Customer engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

API integrations

CAD/RMS integration

Public safety networks

Job description

Company Overview

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with our people. We're a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer everywhere. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that's critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future.

Department Overview

This role is part of the Cloud Deployment Operations Organization, driving the full solution lifecycle and field deployment services for Motorola Solutions' CAPE drone command-and-control software. We specialize in assessing customer requirements, designing complex system architectures, and executing sophisticated cloud deployments. Our mission is to empower public safety organizations to launch advanced Drone as a First Responder (DFR) programs that ensure seamless operations and community safety.

Job Description

We are actively seeking a highly motivated, seasoned, and technically proficient Drone as First Responder (DFR) Solutions Architect with a strong background in drone technology to assume this critical role within the Cloud Deployment Operations Organization. This position is vital for supporting Motorola Solutions' advanced drone command-and-control software, CAPE, which empowers public safety agencies to establish and manage sophisticated DFR programs.

This position is crucial for assessing customer requirements, designing end-to-end DFR solutions, leading their sophisticated deployment, and providing expert post-implementation support to ensure optimal and life-saving operations. The responsibilities span the full solution lifecycle, from defining system architecture and integration strategy to providing expert remote and onsite support. The ideal candidate possesses an exceptionally deep and practical understanding of complex public safety drone operations, solution architecture, a genuine passion for innovative problem-solving, and superior communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

Solution Design & Needs Assessment

• Consult with public safety customers to conduct detailed needs assessments, meticulously designing tailored Drone As First Responder (DFR) solutions.


• Define system architecture, hardware requirements, and integration strategies after thoroughly reviewing the customer's current infrastructure, networks, and operational goals.


• Architect end-to-end data workflows ensuring that live video streams, telemetry, and captured evidence comply with Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) security standards and local agency retention policies.

End-to-End DFR Deployment & Infrastructure Engineering

• Lead the full lifecycle, end-to-end deployment of critical DFR and tactical drone programs, mapping out all deployment and integration details to ensure a successful system launch.


• Conduct physical site readiness and infrastructure engineering assessments, including evaluating optimal rooftop placements, automated docking stations ("drone-in-a-box" technology), power delivery, weatherproofing, and local structural or zoning compliance.


• Ensure successful system launch and full operational status, taking ultimate responsibility for closing the CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) operational steps following physical installation and customer training.

CAD / RMS & Legacy Systems Integration

• Design and implement technical integrations between the CAPE software platform and agency Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management Systems (RMS).


• Configure automated dispatch triggers that allow drones to autonomously launch and navigate to incident coordinates immediately upon a 911 call being logged in the CAD system.

Regulatory Advisory & FAA Compliance Support

• Act as a technical consultant to public safety agencies navigating the regulatory landscape required for advanced DFR operations.


• Assist clients in defining the technical safety cases required to secure complex FAA waivers, specifically Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and Tactical BVLOS (TBVLOS) clearances.


• Ensure deployment architectures adequately support required airspace awareness systems (e.g., Radar, ADS-B receivers, and UTM frameworks) to maintain strict FAA compliance.

Advanced Technical Support & Optimization

• Serve as the premier technical expert for post-deployment customer support, providing high-level technical guidance, diagnosing complex issues, and collaborating to resolve operational issues promptly.


• Perform comprehensive technical troubleshooting of network configurations (e.g., cellular modem/routers, APN profiles, VPNs, and priority/preemption networks like FirstNet), PC/OS updates, drone hardware/uplink connections.

Remote & Onsite support

• Provide expert onsite support (50-75% travel required) for deployment, optimization, and troubleshooting.


• Provide remote support where appropriate.

Sales Enablement & Product Demonstrations

• Actively support the sales team by participating in client meetings, industry events, and conducting detailed, live product demonstrations of the CAPE suite for prospects and partners.


• Manage pre-sale consultations, prepare technical presentations, coordinate complex demo logistics (equipment, power, connectivity), and secure necessary site-specific flight permissions and documentation.

Training Consultation & SME Input

• Serve as the internal Subject Matter Expert (SME), consulting directly with the internal Training Team to provide necessary technical and operational input for developing comprehensive training methodologies.

Requirements

• Proven experience in solution architecture, systems integration, or technical deployment engineering within the UAS/drone industry or public safety sector.


• Deep familiarity with IP networking, cellular data routing (LTE/5G), cloud computing, software integrations (APIs), and public safety CAD/RMS systems.


• Strong understanding of current DFR market trends, competitive ecosystems, and advanced drone hardware docking technologies. Ability and willingness to travel 50-75% of the time.


• Bachelor's degree required (preferably in Computer Science, Engineering, Aviation, or a related technical field). Master's degree preferred.

Target Base Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000 USD

Consistent with Motorola Solutions values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Pay within this range varies and depends on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate.

This position is subject to working in high security areas governed by the US Department of Justice's "Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy" and therefore requires successfully passing a more stringent fingerprint background check administered by Motorola Solutions Inc. customers.

#LI-BA1

#LI-REMOTE

Basic Requirements

• 3+ years of drone related work experience.


• Valid FAA Part 107 Remote Drone Pilot Certification.


• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely is required. Employer work permit sponsorship is not available for this position.


• Must be able to obtain background clearance as required by government customer.

Travel Requirements

50-75%

Relocation Provided

None

Position Type

Experienced

Referral Payment Plan

Yes

Our U.S.Benefitsinclude:

• Incentive Bonus Plans


• Medical, Dental, Visionbenefits


• 401K with Company Match


• 10 Paid Holidays


• Generous Paid Time Off Packages


• Employee Stock Purchase Plan


• Paid Parental & Family Leave


• and more!

EEO Statement

Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic.

We are proud of our people-first and community-focused culture, empowering every Motorolan to be their most authentic self and to do their best work to deliver on the promise of a safer world. If you'd like to join our team but feel that you don't quite meet all of the preferred skills, we'd still love to hear why you think you'd be a great addition to our team.

We're committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruiting experience for candidates with disabilities, or other physical or mental health conditions. To request an accommodation, please complete this Reasonable Accommodations Forms so we can assist you.