Research Engineer (Engineer I) - UAS Hardware & Software

Y-Axis; Hawthorne, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental and vision plans

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

401(k) Retirement Plan

Fitness Program Reimbursement

Tuition Assistance

Job summary

Systems Technology Inc. (STI) seeks a Research Engineer to design, integrate, and test UAS avionics hardware and software. You will develop embedded code in C/C++ and Python for autopilot integration, sensor fusion, and payload control, and support GCS links and MAVLink communications.

You will perform vehicle modeling, GNC analysis, and flight testing for small UAS, using MATLAB/Simulink tools and HIL/SIL simulations. A strong aerospace background and ESOP culture are emphasized.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace or related field.
• Strong C/C++ and Python for embedded/autonomy software.
• Hands-on experience with UAS hardware and sensors.

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and test UAS avionics hardware and software.
• Develop autonomy behaviors, sensor fusion, and payload control.
• Perform vehicle modeling, GNC analysis, and flight tests.
• Support HIL/SIL simulations and GCS integration.
• Contribute to component selection and certification research.
• Maintain project records and assist training.

Skills

C++

Python

UAS Hardware Integration

GNC

Embedded Software Development

Flight Testing

Sensor Fusion

Vehicle Modeling

Avionics

Education

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

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

ArduPilot

PX4

MAVLink

PCB Design

HIL/SIL

Job description

Research Engineer (Engineer I) - UAS Hardware & Software at STI

Hawthorne, California, United States - Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

18 Oct, 26

85000.0

Posted On

20 Jul, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

No

Skills

C++, Python, UAS Hardware Integration, MATLAB, Simulink, ArduPilot, PX4, MAVLink, GNC, Embedded Software Development, HIL/SIL Simulation, PCB Design, Sensor Fusion, Flight Testing, Vehicle Modeling, Avionics

Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing

Description

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 nonroutine 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’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 nonroutine 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:

• 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.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities The Research Engineer designs, integrates, and tests UAS avionics hardware and develops embedded software for autopilot integration and autonomy. They are responsible for vehicle modeling, GNC analysis, and conducting HIL/SIL simulations to validate subsystems prior to flight tests.