Special Payload Engineer

Skyeton; North Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

401k plan with company match

Medical insurance

Innovative projects

Career opportunities

Referral program

Job summary

Skyeton in the United States is seeking a senior payload engineer to design, integrate, and validate advanced UAV payloads for multi‑platform use. You will lead hardware/software integration, RF systems, and ground-control communications, supporting high‑end demos and flight tests in demanding environments.

The role emphasizes hands-on prototyping, lab work, and collaboration across international teams, with potential access to security clearance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in UAS/DoW domains with multidisciplinary integration.
• Experience designing and testing payloads for UAV platforms.
• Knowledge of RF systems and radio integration on UAS.
• Ability to obtain US security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test unique UAS payloads for Skyeton UAVs.
• Integrate COTS and TRL 5–9 equipment to UAVs.
• Perform electrical, mechanical, and software integration of payloads.
• Design comms architectures with ground control stations.
• Architect mission capabilities using multiple UAS and payloads.
• Mentor junior engineers and assist in hiring.
• Support build-out of R&D labs in Las Vegas.
• Test and validate systems for flight tests and demos.
• Provide onboard or remote engineering support for flights.

Skills

UAS engineering

DoW contracts

Electrical engineering

RF engineering

Flight testing

Security clearance

Systems integration

Lab testing

Multidisciplinary

Attention to detail

Education

Electrical engineering

Mechanical engineering

Computer science

Aerospace engineering

Systems engineering

Tools

Altium

SolidWorks

CAD software

PCB design

Job description

About the role

To build highly automated, long-endurance UAV platforms capable of operating in the most demanding environments to support defense, security, infrastructure monitoring, disaster response, and other critical missions. Your mission or values

Company Culture

Skyeton fosters a fast-paced, innovation-driven culture focused on collaboration,

accountability, and mission execution. Employees are encouraged to take initiative,

solve complex technical challenges, and contribute ideas that directly impact

product development and operational success. The organization values

adaptability, continuous learning, teamwork, and a strong sense of purpose in

advancing aerospace and defense technology.

What you’ll do

List the main duties of the role:

• Design, develop, and test unique UAS payloads for integration to the Skyeton familiy of UAVs
• Integrate COTS and TRL 5–9 mission equipment to UAS platforms.
• Perform electrical, mechanical, and software integration of payload systems.
• Design communications architectures with ground control stations.
• Architect unique mission capabilities using multiple UAS and payload systems
• Assist in the interview, hiring, and mentorship of junior engineers.
• Assist in the build-out of R&D and integration lab facilities in Las Vegas
• Test and validate systems for flight test and user demonstrations.
• Provide onsite or remote engineering support for flight tests and demonstrations

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in UAS, Department of War (DoW), and/or related fields.
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science, Aerospace, Systems Engineering or equivalent.
• Deep expertise in electrical, mechanical, software, or RF engineering, with multidisciplinary experience enabling the design, development, and integration of software-driven electromechanical systems
• Experience with RF systems and integrating radios, preferably on UAS platforms.
• Experience working on Department of War (DoW) contracts.
• Experience with flight testing at U.S. military installations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Active or ability to obtain U.S. security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

List additional skills that are nice to have:

• Familiarity with MIL-STD and DO-178/DO-254 standards.
• Experience with Altium or related PCB design software.
• Experience with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.
• Experience with front-end or back-end software development.
• Intimate familiarity with MANET radio solutions from vendors such as Silvus, Trellis wear, DTC, Persistent Systems

Skills & Competencies

Highlight key abilities:

• Rapid prototyping, system bring-up, and iterative R&D development
• Hardware and software debugging in lab and flight environments
• Requirements development, verification, and validation of integrated systems
• Payload power, data, RF, and network interface integration
• Strong hands-on fabrication, integration, and troubleshooting capabilities
• Technical documentation, test reporting, and configuration management
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, prototype-driven development environments

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401k plan with company match
• Medical insurance: voluntary health insurance program
• Innovative projects: work in an international company that develops advanced technologies for the military sector and is actively growing in the global market.
• Career opportunities: participation in internal competitions for new positions, working on various projects, and expanding your skills.
• Competitive salary and a referral program for recommendations.

Work Environment

Describe the working conditions:

• Remote / in-office / hybrid
• Travel requirements (if any)
• Work hours

Equal Opportunity Statement

Skyeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive

environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive

consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual

orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any

other legally protected characteristic.