ENGINEER - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS)

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

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute Inc. in San Antonio, Texas seeks an Engineer in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) to design, integrate, test, and operate UAS hardware and software for field deployments.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on mission planning, payload integration, sensors, and autonomy; must have a BS in engineering, Part 107, and readiness for challenging environments. Security clearance preferred and US citizen.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or directly related engineering degree with related experience in UAS Systems.
• Part 107 Drone Pilot Certificate (FAA) required.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement UAS-related systems, including payload and sensor integration.
• Perform in-field testing, data collection, and analysis for system validation.
• Develop technical documentation such as user specifications, test plans, and SOPs.
• Support mission planning and autonomous platform development.

Skills

UAS design

Payload integration

Field testing

Mission planning

Embedded computing

UAS autonomy

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or related

Job description

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.
• Part 107 Drone Pilot Certificate (FAA) required.
• 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

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