Special Payload Engineer

Skyeton Inc; North Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with company match

Medical insurance

Job summary

Skyeton is seeking a senior UAS systems engineer to design, integrate, and test payloads for the Skyeton family of UAVs, supporting defense and security missions from Las Vegas to national operations.

You will lead multi-disciplinary integration efforts, mentor junior engineers, and help build out R&D labs while ensuring compliance with DoW requirements and high-quality flight testing.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in UAS/DoW 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 enabling design, development, and integration.
• Experience with RF systems and integrating radios on UAS platforms.
• Experience working on Department of War (DoW) contracts.
• Experience with flight testing at U.S. military installations.
• Active or ability to obtain U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test unique UAS payloads for integration to Skyeton 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 building out 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

Skills

UAS systems engineering

RF engineering

System integration

Flight testing

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, CS, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

SolidWorks

PCB design

RF design

Matlab/Simulink

Job description

• 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
• 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

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
• 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.

Describe the working conditions:

• Travel requirements (if any)

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.

About Skyeton, Inc

Skyeton is an aerospace and defense technology company focused on the design, production, and support of advanced unmanned aerial systems. At our growing Fayetteville, North Carolina operation, employees help establish and scale U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities that support demanding customer missions.

Company Culture

Skyeton combines the energy of a growing organization with the discipline required in aerospace manufacturing. We value teamwork, accountability, practical problem-solving, precise execution, and a willingness to improve. Our people make a difference, and every employee contributes directly to product quality, operational readiness, and customer success.