Solutions Engineer

PDW; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 218,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Parental leave

On-site gym (Huntsville, AL & Denver,

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is seeking an experienced Solutions Engineer to join our GTM team, bridging technical capabilities with customer mission needs. You will support AEs, lead technical demos, and tailor UAS solutions for DoD, law enforcement, international military, and commercial customers.

You will design, evaluate, and deliver high-quality UAS solutions, mentor junior engineers, and help manage RFIs/RFPs from pre-sales through deployment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience implementing, operating, and integrating unmanned systems (sUAS).
• Expertise in UAS roles including system design, payload integration, and flight operations.
• Familiarity with developing and implementing CONOPS for unmanned systems.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with proven operational experience.
• Advanced knowledge of UAS hardware, software integration, and payloads (LiDAR, cameras, sensors).
• Knowledge of FPV systems, configuration, integration, and real-time monitoring.
• Expertise in UAS Ground Control Software (QGC) and related platforms.
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills; able to lead cross-functional teams.
• Ability to lift 75 lbs., work in physically demanding environments, and climb ladders.
• Valid driver's license, active passport, travel 50-75%; U.S. Secret security clearance eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of CONOPS to design and implement operational frameworks for UAS solutions.
• Collaborate with Account Executives to identify customer requirements and provide technical solutions.
• Lead technical demonstrations of unmanned systems, including UAS platforms, LiDAR, and photogrammetry tools.
• Conduct technical discovery to gather UAS-specific requirements and translate them into deliverables.
• Design and oversee scalable, efficient, and regulatory-compliant unmanned solutions.
• Develop responses to RFIs and RFPs demonstrating unmanned tech expertise.
• Manage field operations pre-deployment, execution, and post-deployment activities.
• Oversee airspace requests to ensure FAA Part 107 compliance.
• Evaluate emerging UAS technologies to expand PDW's solutions portfolio.
• Mentor Junior Solutions Engineers through hands-on training.

Skills

Unmanned systems

CONOPS development

UAS hardware integration

Flight operations

Q Ground Control

Project management

Customer-facing

Tools

Q Ground Control (QGC)

Job description

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.

You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.

Now,we'reentering a new phase of growth and are looking for an experienced and technically skilled Solutions Engineer to join our Go-to-Market (GTM) team and play a pivotal role in supporting Account Executives (AEs) with customer engagements. This customer-facing position requires advanced knowledge of unmanned systems, familiarity with unmanned Concept of Operations (CONOPS), project management skills, and a proven ability to work collaboratively with clients, internal teams, and leadership.

As a Solutions Engineer, you will leverage your in-depth expertise in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and CONOPS to bridge the gap between technical capabilities and customer mission requirements. Working closely with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), law enforcement, international military, and commercial customers, you will design and deliver tailored, high-quality solutions. This role includes leading technical activities from pre-sales demonstrations to post-deployment support, evaluating emerging UAS technologies, and mentoring Junior Solutions Engineers.

What You'll Do

• Apply knowledge of unmanned Concept of Operations (CONOPS) to design and implement operational frameworks for UAS solutions.
• Collaborate with Account Executives (AEs) to identify customer requirements and provide technical solutions aligned with PDW's offerings.
• Lead technical demonstrations of unmanned systems, including UAS platforms, LiDAR, and photogrammetry tools, ensuring professionalism and safety.
• Conduct technical discovery to gather UAS-specific requirements, document them clearly, and translate them into actionable deliverables.
• Design and oversee the implementation of scalable, efficient, and regulatory-compliant unmanned solutions.
• Develop responses to RFIs and RFPs, demonstrating expertise in unmanned technologies, CONOPS, and integration.
• Manage field operations, including pre-deployment, execution, and post-deployment activities, while ensuring operational readiness.
• Oversee airspace requests to ensure compliance with FAA Part 107 and other applicable regulations.
• Evaluate emerging UAS technologies to expand PDW's solutions portfolio and ensure alignment with customer needs.
• Mentor Junior Solutions Engineers through hands-on training in UAS operations, technical integration, and operational planning.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience implementing, operating, and integrating unmanned systems, including small UAS (sUAS).
• Expertise in UAS-specific roles, including system design, payload integration, and flight operations.
• Familiarity with developing and implementing CONOPS for unmanned systems.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with proven operational experience.
• Advanced knowledge of UAS hardware, software integration, and payloads (LiDAR, cameras, sensors).
• Knowledge of First Person View (FPV) systems, including configuration, integration, and real-time monitoring.
• Expertise in UAS Ground Control Software, such as Q Ground Control (QGC), and related platforms.
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Ability to lift 75 lbs., work in physically demanding environments, and climb ladders to safely operate at heights.
• Valid driver's license, active passport, and willingness to travel domestically and internationally (50-75% travel required).
• Must be eligible to obtain andmaintaina U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, asrequired.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25pounds. Must have manual dexterity tooperate standard office equipment. Must be physically capable of travelingfrequently, standing forlong periodsduring events, and carrying marketing/demo materials.

Work Environment

This position typicallyoperatesin a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. Work may involve exposure to trade show/conference environments, customer facilities, and outdoor test sites. The role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve extended periods of travel, including military bases and supplier locations. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. This position may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard work hours for this position are Monday-Friday, with evening/weekend workrequiredduring events or peak operational needs.

Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• On-site gym at Huntsville, AL & Denver, CO locations.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position will have a base salary plus a target sales incentive, along with benefits. The entry level range for this role’s On Target Earnings (OTE) is $150,000 to $218,000 and is a guideline rather than a fixed limit. Individual pay is determined by factors including geography, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.