Senior UAV Systems Engineer - Autopilot & Payloads

Flagship Pioneering; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Retirement benefits

Annual incentive program

Job summary

Flagship Pioneering seeks a UAS Systems Integration Engineer II to join its hardware team. You will work at the intersection of firmware, electronics, and airframe design, co-developing autopilot, payload integration, and C2 links from prototype to field-ready deployments.

The role requires end-to-end systems thinking, hands-on skills across CAD, test traces, and firmware, and will drive the UAV program toward reliable, field-deployable platforms for scientific missions in demanding environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or closely related field.
• BS + 2-4 or MS + 0-2 years of hardware/software systems integration experience in real-mission or production contexts.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python with experience reading, modifying, and debugging ArduPilot source code; strong MAVLink knowledge.
• Experience with ArduPilot or PX4 autopilot systems in production-ready or real-mission contexts.
• Experience with RF link design, C2 spectrum compliance, antenna selection, and electronics integration for long-range UAVs.
• Electronics design and integration experience; PCB design and fabrication is a strong plus.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is a plus; BVLOS waiver experience is a plus.
• Ability to work hands-on across the full hardware stack in a small team environment.
• Experience with atmospheric sensing instrumentation or science payload integration is a plus.
• Strong documentation and engineering rigor for scalable designs.

Responsibilities

• Configure, tune, and iterate autopilot firmware for fixed-wing airframes, including PID tuning and mission scripting.
• Read, modify, and debug ArduPilot source code to extend autopilot capabilities and fix vehicle issues.
• Design and iterate fixed-wing airframes for payload capacity, endurance, and resilience.
• Support flight test campaigns with pre-flight checks, telemetry setup, troubleshooting, and rapid firmware/hardware fixes.
• Develop C2 link architecture, RF budgets, and spectrum compliance for long-range BVLOS operations.
• Create ground station software and interfaces for mission planning and real-time monitoring.
• Integrate and validate onboard science payloads ensuring data integrity and compatibility.
• Document designs and test results to build a scalable engineering knowledge base.

Skills

C++

Python

ArduPilot

PX4

MAVLink

Firmware development

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in aerospace/electrical/mechanical engineering or CS

Tools

PCB layout

Electronics fabrication

RF link design

Job description

Flagship Pioneering seeks a UAS Systems Integration Engineer II to join its hardware team. You will work at the intersection of firmware, electronics, and airframe design, co-developing autopilot, payload integration, and C2 links from prototype to field-ready deployments.

The role requires end-to-end systems thinking, hands-on skills across CAD, test traces, and firmware, and will drive the UAV program toward reliable, field-deployable platforms for scientific missions in demanding environments.