ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Uncrewed Aerial Systems

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, TX seeks an Engineer specializing in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). The role focuses on design, integration, testing, and field operations to enable mission-critical capabilities.

Responsibilities include system integration, payload development, and hands-on field testing, with documentation of procedures and test plans. A security clearance is preferred and a valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• Active security clearance is highly preferred.
• 0–5 years of experience with UAS systems, including field deployment and payload integration.
• Willingness to perform operations and testing in challenging environments, including extreme weather and remote outdoor settings.
• Valid driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement specialized UAS solutions, including payload and sensor integration.
• Perform in-field testing, data collection, and analysis for validation and optimization.
• Develop technical documentation such as user specifications, test plans, and standard operating procedures.

Skills

UAS systems

Payload integration

Mission planning

Embedded computing

UAS autonomy

Field deployment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Job description

ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS)

11-00965

Who We Are:

Join an independent research and development (R&D) company where innovation meets national security solutions. We are seeking a skilled and motivated Engineer in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). This individual will contribute expertise in UAS design, integration, testing, and field operations, specializing in enabling cutting-edge solutions to mission-critical challenges.

Objectives of this Role:

• Apply advanced technical knowledge to the implementation, design, testing, and integration of UAS systems across research and development initiatives.
• Support the development and integration of payloads, sensors, and autonomous platforms tailored to field operations and mission objectives.
• Work on multidisciplinary teams to tackle dynamic and complex challenges associated with diverse operating conditions.
• Provide technical specialization in key areas such as mission planning, embedded computing, UAS autonomy, and real-time field deployment scenarios.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Design and implement specialized technological solutions for UAS-related systems, including payload and sensor integration.
• Perform in-field testing, data collection, and analysis to support system validation and performance optimization.
• Develop comprehensive technical documentation, such as user specifications, test plans, and standard operating procedures.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or directly related engineering degree with related experience in UAS Systems.
• Current and active security clearance is highly preferred.
• 0-5 years: Experience with UAS systems, emphasizing field deployment, payload integration, and compliance validation.
• Willingness to perform operations and testing in challenging environments, including extreme weather conditions and remote outdoor settings.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas

Military Friendly: Your military experience may apply to this position

For more information about this division, visit the Applied Power home page.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here .
For benefits information at all other locations, click here .

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.