UAS Field Engineer

COLSA; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

401(k) match

Education & Certification Reimburse

Job summary

COLSA is seeking an experienced UAS Field Engineer in Huntsville, AL to provide hands-on support for military unmanned aircraft systems across field operations, testing, troubleshooting, and training. The role involves collaboration with the UAS Training team to ensure system readiness and mission success.

The candidate will work on Group 1 and Group 2 UAS, perform maintenance on airframes, avionics, and payloads, and travel up to 35% to support field exercises and customer training.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; minimum five years of related experience.
• Experience configuring and operating UAS flight-control software and radio systems.
• Hands-on experience with Group 1 and Group 2 UAS (fixed-wing and multirotor).
• U.S. citizenship and active DoD Secret security clearance required.
• Willingness to travel up to 35% (CONUS/OCONUS).
• Ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Strong documentation and problem-solving skills.

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.
• Support Group 1/2 UAS flight operations and training activities.
• Perform upgrades, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance on airframes, avionics, and payloads.
• Prepare detailed maintenance logs, flight logs, and integration reports.
• Collaborate with engineering, logistics, and operations to resolve field issues.
• Travel with training team to onsite field exercises and support customer requirements.
• Assist Training Leads in updating and delivering training materials.

Skills

UAS field engineering

Group 1/2 UAS ops

Flight-control software

Radio systems

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Job Location

Huntsville, Alabama

Location of Position

Huntsville, Alabama

Work Arrangement

On Site: 100%

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

Clearance Required?

Yes

Level of Clearance Required

Secret

COLSA is seeking an experienced UAS Field Engineer to provide hands-on technical and operational support for military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This position supports Group 1 and Group 2 UAS across field operations, system integration, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and training activities. The UAS Field Engineer will work closely with COLSA’s UAS Training team and other technical personnel to support system readiness, field exercises, customer training, and mission requirements.

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 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.

Salary Type

The salary range, if referenced, represents a good faith estimate. COLSA considers various factors when determining base salary offers, but not limited to, location, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Supplemental Income Protection Programs
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Education & Certification Reimbursement
• Employee Discount Program
• Paid Time Off and Holidays

This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 business days. If a candidate has not been selected at that time, it will continue to be posted until a suitable candidate is selected or the position is closed.