SR. TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - Uncrewed Aerial Systems

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute is looking for a Sr. Technical Specialist specializing in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) in San Antonio, Texas. This role involves designing, integrating, and testing UAS systems for national security solutions. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in UAS or a related field, along with a Part 107 Drone Pilot License and at least 2 years of relevant experience. The job includes in-field testing, technical documentation development, and working within multidisciplinary teams to solve complex challenges.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in UAS or related field.
• Current Part 107 Drone Pilot License required.
• 2+ years of experience with UAS systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement specialized technological solutions for UAS.
• Perform in-field testing and data analysis.
• Develop comprehensive technical documentation.

Skills

UAS design

Payload integration

Field deployment

RF-based systems operation

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems or related field

Tools

Drones

UAS autonomy systems

RF Communication architectures

Job description

SR. TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS)

11-00938

Who We Are:

Join an independent research and development (R&D) company where innovation meets national security solutions. We are seeking a skilled and motivated Technical Specialist/Senior Technical Specialist in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). This individual will contribute expertise in UAS design, integration, testing, and field operations, specializing in enabling cutting-edge solutions to mission-critical challenges.

Objectives of this Role:

• Apply advanced technical knowledge to the implementation, testing, and integration of UAS systems across research and development initiatives.
• Support the development and integration of payloads, sensors, and autonomous platforms tailored to field operations and mission objectives.
• Work on multidisciplinary teams to tackle dynamic and complex challenges associated with diverse operating conditions.
• Provide technical specialization in key areas such as mission planning, embedded computing, UAS autonomy, and real-time field deployment scenarios.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Design and implement specialized technological solutions for UAS-related systems, including payload and sensor integration.
• Perform in-field testing, data collection, and analysis to support system validation and performance optimization.
• Demonstrate proficiency in operating and optimizing RF-based systems, including transmitters, command-and-control links, and wireless communication architectures (e.g., cellular, SATCOM, mesh networks).
• Develop comprehensive technical documentation, such as user specifications, test plans, and standard operating procedures.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or directly related degree in UAS Systems with related experience.
• Current Part 107 Drone Pilot License required (FAA). Current USG security clearance is highly desirable.
• 2+ years: Experience with UAS systems, emphasizing field deployment, payload integration, and compliance validation.
• 2 years: Ability to perform operations and testing in challenging environments, including extreme weather conditions and remote outdoor settings.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas

Military Friendly: Your military experience may apply to this position

For more information about this division, visit the Applied Power home page.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here .
For benefits information at all other locations, click here .

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.