UAS Field Engineer

COLSA Corporation; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

COLSA Corporation in Huntsville, AL is seeking an on-site technical engineer to support military UAS platforms, ensure readiness, and advise on maintenance. You will lead daily operations, perform tests, collect data, and prepare detailed flight logs and reports.

Travel up to 35% to field exercises and training missions will be required. Applicants must have a high school diploma, 5+ years of experience, UAS flight-control software expertise, US citizenship, and active DoD clearance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of five years of related experience.
• Experience configuring and operating open-source and/or commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) UAS flight-control software and radio systems.
• Hands-on experience with Group 1 and Group 2 UAS, including fixed-wing and multirotor flight operations.
• Working knowledge of standard desktop applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• U.S. citizenship required and active DoD Secret security clearance.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 35% (CONUS/OCONUS).
• Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site technical engineering support for military UAS platforms and ensure readiness.
• Lead daily operations, mission planning, system monitoring, and data collection for performance evaluation.
• Direct knowledge of Group 1 and Group 2 UAS experience, fixed-wing and multirotor aircraft.
• Test and employ UAS and/or system equipment to provide training and support.
• Identify required UAS parts, COTS equipment, and capabilities for purchase as needed.
• Perform upgrades, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance on airframes, avionics, propulsion, and payloads.
• Prepare and maintain detailed technical documentation, flight logs, and integration reports.
• Collaborate with engineering, logistics, and operations teams to resolve field issues and implement improvements.
• Travel with the UAS Training team to onsite field exercises for operations and training.
• Support Training Leads in updating and delivering training materials to customers.

Skills

UAS operations

Technical documentation

Maintenance troubleshooting

COTS flight software

Security clearance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential functions)

• Provide on-site technical engineering support for military UAS platforms, ensuring operational readiness and compliance.

• Lead and assist with daily operations, including mission planning, system monitoring, and data collection for performance evaluation.

• Direct knowledge of Group 1 and Group 2 UAS experience, fixed-wing and multirotor aircraft.

• Test and employ UAS and/or system equipment to provide system support or up-to-date training to users.

• Identify required Group 1 and Group 2 UAS parts, COTS equipment, support equipment, and capabilities for purchase as needed.

• Perform upgrades, complex troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance on airframes, avionics, propulsion systems, and payloads, recommending design or process improvements.

• Prepare and maintain detailed technical documentation, including flight logs, maintenance records, test results, and integration reports.

• Collaborate with engineering, logistics, and operations teams to resolve field issues, recommend technical solutions, and implement system improvements.

• Travel with the UAS Training team to onsite field exercises in support of field operations, training, and logistics.

• Support Training Leads in updating, refining, maintaining, and delivering training materials to customers as needed.

At COLSA, people are our most valuable resource and centered at our core value. We invite you to unite your talents with opportunity and be a part of our "Family of Professionals!" Learn about our employee-centric culture and benefits here: https://www.colsa.com/culture_benefits

Required SkillsRequired Experience

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Minimum of five years of related experience.

• Experience configuring and operating open-source and/or commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) UAS flight-control software and radio systems.

• Hands-on experience with Group 1 and Group 2 UAS, including fixed-wing and multirotor flight operations.

• Working knowledge of standard desktop applications, including word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.

• U.S. citizenship required.

• Active DoD Secret security clearance.

• Ability and willingness to travel up to 35%, both CONUS and OCONUS. Some assignments may require supporting military personnel in austere field environments and working extended hours.

• Ability to lift, carry, and move equipment weighing up to approximately 50 pounds, including UAS aircraft, components, parts, and associated materials, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Prior military service or experience supporting military programs or operations.

• Experience with electrical soldering and wiring, including assembly, repair, and troubleshooting of electrical connections and components.

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. COLSA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.