UAS GNC Systems Engineer - 1636

Sara-Inc; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Discretionary bonuses

401(k) match/profit sharing

ESOP

Job summary

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) in Colorado Springs invites an experienced UAS/GNC Engineer to lead the development of unmanned navigation and control technologies.

You will integrate flight controllers, optimize embedded software, and deploy AI models on embedded platforms, collaborating across hardware, software, and AI teams. The role focuses on flight controller integration, autonomous navigation, and edge AI processing, with opportunities to work on DoD/DoE

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field is required.
• 5–7 years in flight controller integration and UAV software development.
• Experience with NVIDIA Jetson, DeepStream, and CUDA.
• Knowledge of AI-driven perception, SLAM, and real-time processing on Jetson.
• Proficiency in PX4, ArduPilot, MAVLink, ROS, C++, and Python.
• Experience with PID tuning, sensor calibration, and autonomous navigation.
• Strong understanding of wireless comms and telemetry links.

Responsibilities

• Configure and integrate flight controllers (PX4, ArduPilot) with UAVs such as CUBE.
• Perform firmware flashing, PID tuning, and sensor integration (GPS, IMU, LiDAR).
• Develop embedded software using C++, Python, ROS; enable Jetson AI systems.
• Implement CV and AI-based perception for real-time tracking and SLAM.
• Optimize CUDA for neural inference on Jetson for edge AI.
• Establish reliable networking and telemetry (MAVLink over Wi‑Fi/5G).
• Collaborate on mission planning and autonomous navigation using QGroundControl.
• Support remote control and field operation monitoring of UAVs.
• Lead a team focused on unmanned navigation and control tech.

Skills

Flight controller integration

UAV software development

NVIDIA Jetson

CUDA programming

PX4

ArduPilot

MAVLink

ROS

C++

Python

SLAM

OpenCV

TensorFlow

PyTorch

DeepStream

QGroundControl

Mission Planner

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

Tools

Jetson platform

Linux (Ubuntu)

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Colorado Springs, CO, US

6 days ago Requisition ID: 1636

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise with more than 35 years of proven innovation. We create new and emerging technology solutions in support of Commercial & Government organizations, with expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics, and Threat Warning Systems. As an Employee-Owned company, every team member has a personal stake in the success of our mission, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation. At SARA, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented engineers, physicists, and technicians while making a direct impact on programs that matter.

The SARA High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)/ Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineerto support research and development activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on both long-standing programs and new initiatives, contributing in a multidisciplinary environment from concept through operation.

We are seeking a highly skilled engineer to spearhead the development of unmanned navigation and control technologies, with emphasis on flight controller integration, autonomous navigation, and AI-driven edge processing. This role involves developing and configuring flight control systems, integrating sensors, optimizing embedded software, and deploying AI models on embedded platforms. The ideal candidate will collaborate across hardware, software, and AI teams to advance the boundaries of autonomous aerial systems.

Core Responsibilities:

• Configure and integrate flight controllers (PX4, ArduPilot) with various UAV platforms such as CUBE
• Perform firmware flashing, parameter tuning (PID adjustments, motor mapping, ESC calibration), and sensor integration (GPS, IMU, LiDAR, magnetometer, barometer)
• Develop and optimize embedded software using C++, Python, ROS, and MAVLink for communication with Jetson-based AI/vision systems
• Implement computer vision and AI-based perception for real-time object tracking and SLAM, leveraging OpenCV, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and DeepStream
• Utilize CUDA programming to optimize neural network inference on Jetson platforms for efficient edge AI deployment
• Establish reliable networking and telemetry solutions, integrating MAVLink over Wi-Fi/LTE/5G for command/control and GStreamer/RTSP for FPV video streaming
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop mission planning and autonomous navigation capabilities using QGroundControl and Mission Planner
• Support remote control and monitoring solutions for UAV operations in field environments
• Build and lead a team focused on unmanned system navigation and control technology

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 5 – 7 years of hands-on experience with flight controller integration and UAV software development
• Experience with NVIDIA Jetson AI acceleration, DeepStream SDK, and / or CUDA programming
• Knowledge of AI-driven perception, SLAM, and real-time processing on Jetson platforms
• Strong proficiency in PX4, ArduPilot, MAVLink, ROS, C++, and Python
• Experience with PID tuning, sensor calibration, and autonomous navigation algorithms
• Understanding of wireless communication protocols, low-latency video streaming, and telemetry links
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
• May require Moderate physical effort, including standing, sitting, and use of hands while performing duties, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of hands-on experience with flight controller integration and UAV software and hardware development
• Proficiency in Linux (Ubuntu)
• Background in real-time embedded systems and FPGA-based AI acceleration
• Familiarity with mission planning tools (QGroundControl, Mission Planner) and UAV test/validation procedures
• Hands-on experience with hardware debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol sniffers)

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• Discretionary Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $110,000 to $175,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: September 10, 2026

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.