UAS Development Engineer & Pilot

OKSI; United States; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid vacation (3 weeks)

401(k) with 5% contribution

Educational assistance

DoD clearance eligibility

Hybrid schedule

Job summary

Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) seeks a UAS Development Engineer & Pilot to lead hands-on development, integration, testing, and piloting of unmanned aerial systems for defense and commercial applications. Role spans from design and fabrication through flight test and aircraft maintenance.

The candidate will design UAS platforms, develop flight test plans, pilot in manual and autonomous modes, and analyze telemetry data. Domestic/international travel is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, Software Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years engineering experience, including 3+ years in UAS or aircraft system development.
• 3+ years ArduPilot piloting and integration: manual/autonomous flight, tuning, and payload integration.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and integrate developmental UAS platforms and ArduPilot configuration.
• Develop flight test plans and safety procedures with engineering teams.
• Pilot aircraft in manual and autonomous modes and conduct flight tests with telemetry monitoring.
• Analyze post-flight data logs to validate performance and identify root causes.
• Maintain test fleet in airworthy condition and manage maintenance logs and configurations.

Skills

ArduPilot piloting

Flight testing

Data analysis

Engineering test planning

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's in Aerospace/Aeronautical/Mechanical/Electrical/Software Engineering

Tools

Mission Planner

QGroundControl

MS Office

Job description

All Jobs > UAS Development Engineer & Pilot

Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI) designs and builds EO/IR sensor systems, autonomous platforms, and modeling and simulation technology that give warfighters a decisive edge. We're a small, fast-moving team where your work reaches the field in months, not years.

The Role

The UAS Development Engineer & Pilot leads hands-on development, integration, testing, and piloting of unmanned aerial systems, from design and fabrication through flight test and aircraft maintenance, in support of defense and commercial applications. Level is based on experience (see Compensation and Benefits).

What You'll Do

• Design, build, and integrate developmental UAS platforms, including frame construction, electronics, GCS setup, and ArduPilot configuration and tuning
• Develop flight test plans, aircraft limitations, and ground safety procedures with engineering and safety teams
• Pilot aircraft in manual and autonomous modes; execute flight tests with real-time troubleshooting, live tuning, and telemetry monitoring
• Analyze post-flight data logs to validate performance and root-cause anomalies
• Integrate third-party payloads (EO/IR, LiDAR, RF) and validate ArduPilot compatibility alongside software, mechanical, and systems engineers
• Maintain the test fleet in continuous airworthy condition; track maintenance, firmware, parameter sets, and system logs
• Execute engineering test procedures; contribute to test planning, configuration management, and formal reporting
• Maintain an open issue tracker for system-level problems
• Support field tests, customer demos, and off-site operations; domestic and international travel required

Requirements

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, Software Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years engineering experience, including 3+ years in UAS or aircraft system development
• 3+ years ArduPilot piloting and integration experience: manual/autonomous flight, controller tuning (PID, failsafe logic, mission profiles), sensor/payload/GCS integration (Mission Planner, QGroundControl), log analysis and troubleshooting
• Hands-on experience in engineering test planning, aircraft development, and field testing
• FAA Part 107 (required, or obtained within 60 days of hire)
• Strong data analysis, telemetry review, and technical documentation skills
• Experience piloting UAS or manned aircraft in real-world conditions
• Familiarity with multirotor, fixed-wing, and VTOL platforms
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally

Preferred

• EO/IR, LiDAR, or RF payload integration
• Autonomous flight, GCS scripting, or swarm coordination
• Lua or MAVLink scripting for ArduPilot missions
• Linux systems and embedded software development
• Knowledge of FAA UAS regulations and airworthiness practices
• Prior DoD program or military flight test exposure
• Medical, dental, and vision fully paid for employees
• Three weeks of vacation
• Company 401(k) contribution, 5% of earned wages (no match required)
• Educational assistance

Why OKSI?

See your work fielded fast, not in years. Build next-generation defense technology that protects warfighters and safeguards civilians. Move with speed and agility from concept to deployment. Hybrid schedule for real work-life balance. Fast growth means fast career advancement.

Eligibility to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret or higher clearance is required for portions of this role; specific programs may require U.S. Citizenship. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR (U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158), or be eligible to obtain the required authorization from the U.S. Department of State.

We are an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process.