Lead UAS/C-UAS Systems Integration Engineer

Kids for the Future; Foster (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

NexTech Solutions is seeking a highly experienced field integration engineer to own the end-to-end integration of unmanned and counter-unmanned systems into mission networks and C2 architectures. You will bench-setup systems, validate architecture against real mission profiles, and package configurations for deployment with minimal contractor support.

The role requires hands-on testing, flight operations proficiency, and deep knowledge of TAK/ATAK, IP networking, and data links.

Qualifications

• Eight or more years of combined military or government service in a technical, communications, special operations, or aviation role.
• Three or more years of hands on unmanned systems experience covering build, configuration, troubleshooting, and flight operations.
• Demonstrated experience integrating UAS or C-UAS systems with TAK, WinTAK, or ATAK, including data sharing and live tracking across a networked user set.
• Working knowledge of IP networking applied to tactical systems: addressing, routing, LAN and WAN configuration, server and router setup, and fault isolation.
• Demonstrated proficiency with at least two ground control or flight stack environments from the following: ArduPilot Mission Planner, QGroundControl, Betaflight, Vigilant Spirit, or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of RF fundamentals, spectrum deconfliction, and antenna theory as applied to control links, video links, and datalinks.
• Hands on electronics skills: soldering, harness fabrication, and component level diagnostics.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and a documented minimum of 100 sUAS flight hours.
• Documented instructor or trainer experience with adult learners in a technical or tactical setting.
• US person as defined under ITAR.

Responsibilities

• Integrate UAS and C-UAS systems into TAK based mission command environments to deliver live track data, sensor feeds, and shared mission data to the COP.
• Configure, administer, and troubleshoot TAK server infrastructure, data packages, certificates, and client provisioning across the supported unit.
• Build and maintain the CoT and track data pathways from platform, radar, and RF sensor sources into the COP.
• Design and configure the supporting tactical network: IP addressing, routing, VLANs, firewalls, server and router setup, and secure data link fault isolation.
• Establish and sustain full motion video distribution and telemetry pathways from platform to end user across line of sight, satellite, and cellular bearers.
• Integrate C-UAS detect and defeat equipment into the same architecture so detection, identification, and defeat actions are visible to the unit in a single picture.
• Stand up UAS and C-UAS systems on the bench, configure flight stacks and ground control software, and verify end to end function before anything reaches the unit.
• Configure and flash flight controllers and ground stations including ArduPilot Mission Planner, QGroundControl, Betaflight, and vendor specific ground control software.
• Integrate payloads, radios, and datalinks onto airframes. Resolve control link, video link, and telemetry conflicts, including antenna selection, placement, and frequency planning.
• Perform component level electronics work as integration requires: soldering, harness fabrication, connector repair, and bench diagnostics.
• Design and produce brackets, mounts, and adapters using CAD and additive manufacturing to close integration gaps between COTS components.
• Write and execute integration test plans that exercise the architecture against realistic mission profiles, not bench ideal conditions.
• Fly platforms as pilot in command when test execution requires live sorties. Maintain currency and platform qualifications sufficient to do so safely.
• Support red team and blue team events by flying threat representative profiles against friendly C-UAS systems and documenting detection, identification, and defeat performance.
• Assess vendor advertised capability against observed performance in the integrated architecture. Report the delta to the program office in writing.
• Characterize behavior in degraded and contested conditions: link loss, GPS denial, bandwidth starvation, and spectrum interference. Document mitigations.

Skills

English fluency

Top Secret clearance

UAS integration

Network configuration

Flight operations

RF fundamentals

Education

Bachelor degree or military training

Tools

ArduPilot Mission Planner

QGroundControl

Betaflight

Vigilant Spirit

TAK/ATAK

Job description

NexTech Solutions is seeking a highly experienced field integration engineer to own the end-to-end integration of unmanned and counter-unmanned systems into mission networks and C2 architectures. You will bench-setup systems, validate architecture against real mission profiles, and package configurations for deployment with minimal contractor support.

The role requires hands-on testing, flight operations proficiency, and deep knowledge of TAK/ATAK, IP networking, and data links.