Flight Hardware and System Integration Engineer

University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition reimbursement

ECO Pass transit

Job summary

University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a Flight Hardware and System Integration Engineer to design, fabricate, integrate, and maintain autonomous aerial vehicle hardware for robotics research. You will work with researchers on perception, guidance, and control to create reliable experimental flight platforms.

Responsibilities include CAD modeling in SolidWorks, PCB design, sensor integration, and hands-on fabrication like 3D printing, soldering, and machining.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in robotics, engineering, or related field.
• Experience with SolidWorks and CAD design, 3D printing, soldering, machining, wiring and assembly.
• Experience designing PCBs using KiCad or Altium Designer and familiarity with ROS2.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, assemble, and maintain custom drone platforms for research.
• Develop CAD models and assemble PCBs for embedded sensing and electronics.
• Integrate sensors and electronics, and ensure maintainability and manufacturability.
• Support flight testing and system integration with researchers.

Skills

CAD design

SolidWorks

Python programming

ROS2 familiarity

Troubleshooting

Rapid prototyping

Electrical integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in robotics, engineering or related field

Master's degree in robotics, engineering or related field (preferred)

Tools

KiCad

Altium Designer

SolidWorks

Job description

Job SummaryThe Bio-Inspired Perception and Robotics Laboratory (BPRL) is seeking a Flight Hardware and System Integration Engineer. The candidate will design, fabricate, integrate, and maintain autonomous aerial vehicle hardware for cutting-edge robotics research. Responsibilities will include mechanical design of flight platforms, printed circuit board (PCB) development, integration of novel sensing technologies, and assembly of complete flight systems. The candidate will work closely with researchers developing perception, guidance, and control algorithms to create reliable experimental platforms for autonomous flight demonstrations.

SummaryThe Bio-Inspired Perception and Robotics Laboratory (BPRL) is seeking a Flight Hardware and System Integration Engineer. The candidate will design, fabricate, integrate, and maintain autonomous aerial vehicle hardware for cutting-edge robotics research. Responsibilities will include mechanical design of flight platforms, printed circuit board (PCB) development, integration of novel sensing technologies, and assembly of complete flight systems. The candidate will work closely with researchers developing perception, guidance, and control algorithms to create reliable experimental platforms for autonomous flight demonstrations.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We AreThe Bio-Inspired Perception and Robotics Laboratory (BPRL) is a facility in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Robotics Graduate Program at the University of Colorado, Boulder that conducts research and development in the areas of field robotics and biologically inspired robotics. We seek to distill the fundamental sensing, processing and feedback principles that govern robust behavior in organisms to enable new classes of robotic systems with improved agility, locomotion and autonomy.

Responsibilities
The successful candidate will design, fabricate, assemble, and maintain custom drone platforms for laboratory research and flight testing, build and maintain CAD models using SolidWorks, design and integrate printed circuit boards (PCBs) for embedded sensing, power distribution and onboard electronics, integrate novel sensing technologies including cameras, event cameras, radar, strain sensing systems, IMUs, GPS, and other experimental hardware, and develop mechanical mounting solutions for sensors and embedded electronics while considering manufacturability, weight, stiffness, and maintainability. The candidate will also maintain accurate vehicle models, mass properties, and hardware configurations used in simulation and flight software, fabricate prototype components using additive manufacturing, machining, soldering, and general laboratory fabrication techniques diagnose, repair, and rebuild damaged flight hardware following testing and flight demonstrations, and support laboratory flight operations by preparing aircraft, verifying hardware functionality, and assisting with system integration and testing.

What We Can OfferThe annual salary range for this appointment will be $50,000 - $60,000.

BenefitsAt the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be StatementsBe excited. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We RequireBachelor's degree in robotics, engineering, or a related field.

What You Will NeedThe candidate will need experience with CAD design using SolidWorks or similar mechanical design software, hands-on fabrication experience including 3D printing, soldering, machining, wiring, and mechanical assembly, experience designing printed circuit boards using KiCad, Altium Designer, or similar PCB design tools. The candidate will also need familiarity with embedded electronics, sensors, connectors, and electrical integration, python programming experience and basic familiarity with ROS2, strong troubleshooting skills, and the ability to rapidly prototype, integrate, and test new hardware.

What We Would Like You To HaveMaster's degree in robotics, engineering, or a related field.

Special Instructions
To Apply, Please Submit The Following Materials

• Resume/CV.
• Cover Letter.
• (Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional document.

During the application process, you will be asked to provide the name and email address for one reference, from whom we will request a letter of recommendation immediately following the submission of your completed application. Please apply by October 15, 2026 for consideration. Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs. In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.