Hands-on UAS Design & Integration Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Perks not listed in ad

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in the Baltimore/Washington area seeks a UAS Design and Integration Engineer to own the design, integration, and testing of unmanned aircraft—from concept through build, lab checkout, and flight testing.

You will collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, and autonomy teams to optimize flight control systems, calibrate sensors, analyze results, and document configurations for repeatable field use.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field.
• Experience designing, building, integrating, and testing custom UAS or similar hardware.
• Experience owning technical solutions through build, test, and iteration.
• Experience designing and troubleshooting complex mechanical/electrical aerospace systems.
• Proficient with UAS autopilot systems and ground control software.
• Strong understanding of UAS subsystems and hardware interfaces.
• Effective cross‑disciplinary communication and hands‑on lab/field work.
• Active Secret clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI; U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and integration of UAS prototypes from concept to delivery.
• Lead hands‑on assembly, wiring, propulsion, sensors, and payload integration.
• Translate mission needs into practical low‑cost vehicle and ground support solutions.
• Collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, autonomy, and test teams.
• Design and integrate flight control systems; calibrate sensors; tune GNC.
• Plan, execute, and analyze lab, ground, and flight testing; drive improvements.
• Communicate risks and corrective actions early; document as‑built configurations and procedures.

Skills

Aerospace Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

UAS autopilot systems

GNC tuning

CAD software

Hands-on testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related

Tools

PX4 Autopilot

ArduPilot

SolidWorks

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in the Baltimore/Washington area seeks a UAS Design and Integration Engineer to own the design, integration, and testing of unmanned aircraft—from concept through build, lab checkout, and flight testing.

You will collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, and autonomy teams to optimize flight control systems, calibrate sensors, analyze results, and document configurations for repeatable field use.