UAS/C-UAS Systems Integration Specialist

Kids for the Future; Foster (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

NexTech Solutions is seeking a highly experienced field integration engineer to own the end-to-end integration of unmanned and counter-unmanned systems into mission networks and C2 architectures. You will bench-setup systems, validate architecture against real mission profiles, and package configurations for deployment with minimal contractor support.

The role requires hands-on testing, flight operations proficiency, and deep knowledge of TAK/ATAK, IP networking, and data links.

Qualifications

• Eight or more years of combined military or government service in a technical, communications, special operations, or aviation role.
• Three or more years of hands on unmanned systems experience covering build, configuration, troubleshooting, and flight operations.
• Demonstrated experience integrating UAS or C-UAS systems with TAK, WinTAK, or ATAK, including data sharing and live tracking across a networked user set.
• Working knowledge of IP networking applied to tactical systems: addressing, routing, LAN and WAN configuration, server and router setup, and fault isolation.
• Demonstrated proficiency with at least two ground control or flight stack environments from the following: ArduPilot Mission Planner, QGroundControl, Betaflight, Vigilant Spirit, or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of RF fundamentals, spectrum deconfliction, and antenna theory as applied to control links, video links, and datalinks.
• Hands on electronics skills: soldering, harness fabrication, and component level diagnostics.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and a documented minimum of 100 sUAS flight hours.
• Documented instructor or trainer experience with adult learners in a technical or tactical setting.
• US person as defined under ITAR.

Responsibilities

• Integrate UAS and C-UAS systems into TAK based mission command environments to deliver live track data, sensor feeds, and shared mission data to the COP.
• Configure, administer, and troubleshoot TAK server infrastructure, data packages, certificates, and client provisioning across the supported unit.
• Build and maintain the CoT and track data pathways from platform, radar, and RF sensor sources into the COP.
• Design and configure the supporting tactical network: IP addressing, routing, VLANs, firewalls, server and router setup, and secure data link fault isolation.
• Establish and sustain full motion video distribution and telemetry pathways from platform to end user across line of sight, satellite, and cellular bearers.
• Integrate C-UAS detect and defeat equipment into the same architecture so detection, identification, and defeat actions are visible to the unit in a single picture.
• Stand up UAS and C-UAS systems on the bench, configure flight stacks and ground control software, and verify end to end function before anything reaches the unit.
• Configure and flash flight controllers and ground stations including ArduPilot Mission Planner, QGroundControl, Betaflight, and vendor specific ground control software.
• Integrate payloads, radios, and datalinks onto airframes. Resolve control link, video link, and telemetry conflicts, including antenna selection, placement, and frequency planning.
• Perform component level electronics work as integration requires: soldering, harness fabrication, connector repair, and bench diagnostics.
• Design and produce brackets, mounts, and adapters using CAD and additive manufacturing to close integration gaps between COTS components.
• Write and execute integration test plans that exercise the architecture against realistic mission profiles, not bench ideal conditions.
• Fly platforms as pilot in command when test execution requires live sorties. Maintain currency and platform qualifications sufficient to do so safely.
• Support red team and blue team events by flying threat representative profiles against friendly C-UAS systems and documenting detection, identification, and defeat performance.
• Assess vendor advertised capability against observed performance in the integrated architecture. Report the delta to the program office in writing.
• Characterize behavior in degraded and contested conditions: link loss, GPS denial, bandwidth starvation, and spectrum interference. Document mitigations.

Skills

English fluency

Top Secret clearance

UAS integration

Network configuration

Flight operations

RF fundamentals

Education

Bachelor degree or military training

Tools

ArduPilot Mission Planner

QGroundControl

Betaflight

Vigilant Spirit

TAK/ATAK

Job description

• Location Northern Virginia,Northern, VA, 23128,United States
• Employee Type FT Exempt
• Travel 30%

The Opportunity

This position owns the integration of unmanned and counter-unmanned systems into the supported unit's mission networks and command and control architecture. The work is stateside and technical: stand up the systems on the bench, make sensor and platform feeds land correctly in TAK and the unit common operating picture, validate the architecture against real mission profiles, then package it so the deployed element can employ it without a contractor standing next to them. The incumbent flies and builds when integration testing requires it, not as the primary function.

Key Responsibilities (Principal Duties and Accountabilities *Essential Functions)

Mission Network and C2 Integration

• Integrate UAS and C-UAS systems into TAK based mission command environments to deliver live track data, sensor feeds, and shared mission data to the common operating picture.
• Configure, administer, and troubleshoot TAK server infrastructure, data packages, certificates, and client provisioning across the supported unit.
• Build and maintain the CoT and track data pathways from platform, radar, and RF sensor sources into the COP. Resolve message format, timing, and correlation faults.
• Design and configure the supporting tactical network: IP addressing, routing, VLANs, firewalls, server and router setup, and secure data link fault isolation.
• Establish and sustain full motion video distribution and telemetry pathways from platform to end user across line of sight, satellite, and cellular bearers. Manage transcoding, latency, and bandwidth constraints.
• Integrate C-UAS detect and defeat equipment into the same architecture so detection, identification, and defeat actions are visible to the unit in a single picture.

System Configuration and Bench Integration

• Stand up UAS and C-UAS systems on the bench, configure flight stacks and ground control software, and verify end to end function before anything reaches the unit.
• Configure and flash flight controllers and ground stations including ArduPilot Mission Planner, QGroundControl, Betaflight, and vendor specific ground control software.
• Integrate payloads, radios, and datalinks onto airframes. Resolve control link, video link, and telemetry conflicts, including antenna selection, placement, and frequency planning.
• Perform component level electronics work as integration requires: soldering, harness fabrication, connector repair, and bench diagnostics.
• Design and produce brackets, mounts, and adapters using CAD and additive manufacturing to close integration gaps between COTS components.

Integration Test, Validation, and Assessment

• Write and execute integration test plans that exercise the architecture against realistic mission profiles, not bench ideal conditions.
• Fly platforms as pilot in command when test execution requires live sorties. Maintain currency and platform qualifications sufficient to do so safely.
• Support red team and blue team events by flying threat representative profiles against friendly C-UAS systems and documenting detection, identification, and defeat performance.
• Assess vendor advertised capability against observed performance in the integrated architecture. Report the delta to the program office in writing.
• Characterize behavior in degraded and contested conditions: link loss, GPS denial, bandwidth starvation, and spectrum interference. Document mitigations.

Fielding and Sustainment

• Package integrated configurations for fielding: baseline documentation, configuration files, data packages, spares lists, and load plans.
• Install and validate systems at the unit's home station and training sites. Confirm the architecture works on the unit's own network before deployment.
• Provide reachback technical support to the deployed element. Diagnose and resolve faults remotely where possible. Travel forward when it is not.
• Maintain configuration control across baselines. Track what version is where and what changed.
• Support property accountability for sensitive and high value equipment, including inventory, hand receipts, and shipping and export documentation.

Training and Knowledge Transfer

• Train unit personnel on employment, basic maintenance, network configuration, and emergency procedures for the integrated systems.
• Develop and maintain TTPs, SOPs, quick reference guides, and troubleshooting trees at operator level.
• Deliver practical instruction with performance based evaluation. Assess and document individual proficiency before fielding.
• Build the unit's internal capacity to sustain the architecture without contractor presence.

Program and Customer Support

• Capture emerging requirements from the unit and translate them into engineering, procurement, or technical refresh recommendations.
• Provide written technical reports, integration status, and capability assessments to the program office and the customer.
• Support technology scouting and bench evaluation of candidate platforms, sensors, and software against unit requirements.
• Conduct all activity in accordance with contract scope, ITAR and export control requirements, cybersecurity policy, and applicable airspace and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Fluency in English (written and spoken)
• Must have active Top Secret Security Clearance

Education

• Bachelor degree, or equivalent combination of military technical training and experience.

Required Skills, Experience & Abilities

• Eight or more years of combined military or government service in a technical, communications, special operations, or aviation role.
• Three or more years of hands on unmanned systems experience covering build, configuration, troubleshooting, and flight operations.
• Demonstrated experience integrating UAS or C-UAS systems with TAK, WinTAK, or ATAK, including data sharing and live tracking across a networked user set.
• Working knowledge of IP networking applied to tactical systems: addressing, routing, LAN and WAN configuration, server and router setup, and fault isolation.
• Demonstrated proficiency with at least two ground control or flight stack environments from the following: ArduPilot Mission Planner, QGroundControl, Betaflight, Vigilant Spirit, or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of RF fundamentals, spectrum deconfliction, and antenna theory as applied to control links, video links, and datalinks.
• Hands on electronics skills: soldering, harness fabrication, and component level diagnostics.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and a documented minimum of 100 sUAS flight hours.
• Documented instructor or trainer experience with adult learners in a technical or tactical setting.
• US person as defined under ITAR.

Preferred Qualifications

• Special Forces Communications Sergeant (18E) or equivalent SOF communications background, with network architecture and secure data link experience.
• TAK server administration experience, including certificate management, data package build, and multi-unit provisioning.
• Experience integrating radar, RF detection, or EO/IR sensor feeds into a common operating picture.
• Full motion video distribution experience, including transcoding, metadata handling, and low bandwidth optimization.
• US Army Master Trainer certification on sUAS, or equivalent service level UAS instructor credential.
• Graduate of a robotics or unmanned systems integration course covering CAD, additive manufacturing, and drone construction.
• Equivalent airspace and terminal control training.
• Hands-on experience with fielded C-UAS systems across detect and defeat categories.
• DoD 8140 IAT Level II certification, or ability to obtain within 180 days.
• Recent operational deployment experience employing UxS with a deployed or partner element.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Primarily a lab, bench, and office environment with regular field and flight line work during test and fielding.
• Lift and carry equipment cases up to 50 pounds. Move dismounted with a loaded kit over uneven terrain during field events.
• Fine motor and close vision requirements for electronics assembly and repair.
• Irregular hours during test windows, fielding, and deployed element support.
• Able to travel CONUS and OCONUS on short notice, pass required medical and deployment screening, and hold or obtain a valid US passport.
• Outdoor work in heat, cold, dust, and precipitation during test and training events.

Summary

Compensation:

The base salary range for this position is $140,000-$170,000

Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including relevant experience, qualifications, skills, location, and internal equity.

NexTech Solutions offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families, including competitive health, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings options, paid time off, and additional employee benefits.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. NTS will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws for employment.

For individuals with disabilities that need additional assistance at any point in the application and interview process, please email [e-mail]