Research Engineer (Engineer I) – UAS Hardware & Software

STI; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Medical benefits

Dental and vision plans

401(k) Safe Harbor

Tuition Assistance

Year-round events

Fitness Program Reimbursement

Job summary

Systems Technology Inc. (STI) in Hawthorne, CA, is seeking a Research Engineer (Engineer I) to design, build, integrate, and test UAS hardware and software.

You will work at the intersection of hardware and software, supporting avionics, sensors, and autonomy. The candidate should have strong C/C++ and Python skills for embedded development, hands-on UAS hardware experience, and familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink and ArduPilot/PX4 ecosystems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Strong skills in C/C++ and/or Python for embedded or autonomy software development.
• Hands-on experience with UAS hardware — flight controllers, sensors, payload integration, or wiring.
• Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, analysis, or controls is a plus.
• Experience with autopilot ecosystems (ArduPilot, PX4) or MAVLink-based software is preferred.
• Aerospace industry experience and UAS flight-test exposure are highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Supports design, integration, and bring‑up of UAS avionics hardware and sensors.
• Develops embedded and companion‑computer software in C/C++ and Python for autopilot integration.
• Performs design and analysis in vehicle modeling, GNC, and flight test support.
• Assists with MATLAB/Simulink tools and flight-test displays for vehicle assessment.
• Helps with hardware‑in‑the‑loop and software‑in‑the‑loop validation setups.
• Supports ground control station integration and MAVLink links.
• Contributes to component selection, certification research, and supply‑chain considerations.
• Maintains project files and adheres to aerospace standards; may assist business development.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Embedded software

Autonomy software

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer Engineering, or related field

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

ArduPilot

PX4

MAVLink

Job description

Systems Technology Inc. (STI) is a private, employee-owned company (ESOP) that provides engineering consulting and product development with a focus on safety. We are a small company that enjoys many of the perks of start-ups, but we have been in business for over sixty years and have an aggressive growth plan. Being part of STI means being a key contributor in the company while working with a team that spans the range of experience from recent graduates to 20+ year tenure.

At STI, we look for business partners who want to be part of something special and contribute to a culture built on transparency, friendliness, innovation, ownership and accountability. If you are of a like mind and enthusiastic about solving challenging, real world, relevant problems, we would love to hear from you.

As a 100% employee-owned company, STI understands that employees’ individual and collective hard work and dedication will lead directly to the success of the company in the long term. An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) gives employees an ownership interest in the company that employs them.

What You’ll Do:

The Research Engineer (Engineer I) executes specialized technical research and development activities in direct support of STI’s UAS product lines. This role sits at the intersection of hardware and software — you’ll help design, build, integrate, and test the systems that make these platforms fly, sense, and think. Reports to a Principal Research Engineer.

• Supports design, integration, and bring-up of UAS avionics hardware — flight controllers, autopilot boards, power distribution, sensor payloads (EO/IR, RADALT, GNSS/INS), and companion computers.
• Develops and maintains embedded and companion‑computer software in C/C++ and Python for autopilot integration (e.g., ArduPilot, PX4), autonomy behaviors, sensor fusion, and payload control.
• Performs moderate to advanced design and analysis tasks in vehicle modeling, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), and flight test relevant to small UAS airframes, with an emphasis on developing and implementing innovative solutions.
• Supports design and implementation of MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++ based tools and displays for flight test, vehicle assessment, and autonomous operations.
• Assists with hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) and software‑in‑the‑loop (SIL) simulation setups to validate subsystems prior to flight test.
• Supports ground control station (GCS) integration and MAVLink‑based command/telemetry links between vehicle and operator.
• Contributes to component selection, certification research, and supply‑chain considerations (e.g., Blue UAS compliance) for UAS hardware.
• Performs research and analyses as directed by project leads; prepares portions of project documents.
• Performs tasks within schedule with consistency, accuracy, and attention to detail, using judgment to adapt methods for non‑routine aspects of assignments.
• Assists in providing on‑the‑job training for new and existing employees.
• Maintains project files and appropriate records of work, compliant with company and aerospace industry standards, practices, and regulations.
• May assist with business development activities and customer interfacing, under supervision of project leads.
• Meets all company timelines, processes, trainings, and initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What you Need:

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Strong skills in C/C++ and/or Python for embedded or autonomy software development.
• Hands‑on experience with UAS hardware — flight controllers, sensors, payload integration, or custom PCB/wiring harness work.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, analysis, or controls a plus.
• Familiarity with autopilot firmware/ecosystems (ArduPilot, PX4) or MAVLink‑based ground control software strongly preferred.
• Experience with stability and control system design/assessment and/or vehicle flight modeling and simulation.
• Experience in the aerospace industry required; direct UAS/UAM/sUAS hands‑on build or flight‑test experience a plus.

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with EO/IR seekers, gimbal control, or counter-UAS systems.
• Experience assessing vehicle performance, flying, and handling qualities and related system performance.
• Familiarity with Blue UAS / DoD UAS component certification requirements.
• Experience with HIL/SIL test benches or flight-test instrumentation.

Compensation And Benefits:

Systems Technology Inc. offers all employees competitive pay along with a benefits package encompassing the following and more:

• Medical benefits (HMO — 100% company paid for Employees & Dependents)
• Dental and vision plans
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Retirement Plan and company defined contribution.
• Flexible spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Fitness Program Reimbursement and Technology Stipends
• Tuition Assistance Programs
• Year-round company sponsored events.
• Employee rewards and recognition

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

At Systems Technology Inc. (STI) we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possesses the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. For this position we are targeting a compensation pay between $75,000 — $85,000. This is inclusive of base pay, performance bonus and ESOP. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

STI is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.