UAS Field Engineer

Colsa; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

ST Disability

LT Disability

AD&D

401(k) Match

Flexible Spending Account

Employee Assistance Program

Education Reimbursement

Discount Program

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Job summary

COLSA is seeking an experienced UAS Field Engineer to provide hands-on technical and operational support for military unmanned aircraft systems. This role covers field operations, testing, maintenance, and training to ensure system readiness and mission success.

You will work with COLSA’s Training team and engineers to support field exercises, develop documentation, and deliver training to customers, with travel up to 35% (CONUS and OCONUS) as required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum five years of related experience.
• Experience configuring/open-source or COTS UAS flight-control software and radios.
• Hands-on experience with Group 1/2 UAS (fixed-wing and multirotor).
• Active DoD Secret clearance.
• Willingness to travel up to 35%.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site technical support for military UAS and ensure readiness.
• Lead daily operations: mission planning, system monitoring, data collection.
• Support Group 1 and 2 UAS field operations.
• Identify parts and equipment for purchase as needed.
• Perform upgrades and troubleshooting on airframes, avionics, propulsion, payloads.
• Prepare flight logs, maintenance records, and integration reports.
• Collaborate with engineering, logistics, operations to resolve field issues.
• Travel with UAS Training team to field exercises.
• Assist in updating training materials for customers.

Skills

UAS field operations

Mission planning

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Travel readiness

DoD Secret clearance

Team collaboration

Technical reporting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Flight-control software

UAS hardware

Radio systems

Job description

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 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.
• 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

• 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

Annually

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.

COLSA offers a comprehensive and customizeable benefits program which includes 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.