UAS Integration Engineer & Test Pilot

Colsa-5; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

AD&D

401(k) with company match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Education & Certification Reimburse 

Employee Discount Program

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Job summary

COLSA Corporation in Huntsville, AL seeks an UAS Integration Engineer & Test Pilot to lead end-to-end integration of Group I–III UAS, including design, testing, programming, and flight operations for multi-rotor and fixed-wing platforms.

The role combines hands-on engineering with advanced flight operations, requiring FPV piloting skills, embedded systems knowledge, and the ability to support demonstrations and missions across CONUS/OCONUS locations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5-8 years of relevant UAS engineering, integration, or flight operations experience.
• 1-2 years of demonstrated FPV flight experience with a portfolio/demonstration reel.
• Proficiency with embedded systems and interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN).
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems, batteries, electronics, and test/measurement tools.
• Experience wiring, programming, tuning PX4 and ArduPilot on multi-rotor and fixed-wing UAS.
• Familiarity with mission planning software: QGroundControl, Mission Planner, Betaflight Configurator.
• Understanding of sUAS hardware and subsystems.
• Ability to travel up to 25% for testing and field activities.
• Effective communication in fast-paced, mission-driven environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, integrate, test, troubleshoot, repair, and optimize UAS platforms.
• Configure, program, calibrate, and troubleshoot flight subsystems (flight controllers, companion computers, ESCs, motors, GPS, FPV radios, sensors).
• Plan and execute manual, FPV, and autonomous flight operations in diverse field conditions.
• Ensure FAA compliance and aviation safety practices in all flight operations.
• Conduct pre-flight planning, risk assessments, system inspections, calibration, and post-flight maintenance.
• Collect, analyze, and document flight test data; prepare technical reports and recommendations.
• Participate in rapid prototyping, integration, validation, and testing of new UAS platforms.
• Document build procedures and testing methodologies for repeatable manufacturing and engineering.

Skills

FPV piloting

Embedded systems

UAS hardware

Autonomous flight control

Flight testing

Flight operations

Systems debugging

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

High school diploma

Tools

PX4

ArduPilot

QGroundControl

Mission Planner

Betaflight Configurator

SolidWorks

Job description

COLSA is seeking a UAS Integration Engineer & Test Pilot to manage the end-to-end integration of Group I, II, and III Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This includes the design, testing, programming, troubleshooting, repair, and operational flight of both multi-rotor and fixed-wing platforms. The ideal candidate is an experienced First Person View (FPV) pilot with a strong foundation in embedded systems, UAS hardware, and autonomous flight control technologies, combining hands-on engineering expertise with advanced flight operations in support of product development, testing, customer demonstrations, and operational missions.

• Design, assemble, integrate, test, troubleshoot, repair, and optimize Group I and II multi-rotor and fixed-wing UAS, including mechanical, electrical, and payload systems.
• Configure, program, calibrate, and troubleshoot sUAS subsystems, including but not limited to flight controllers, companion computers, electronic speed controllers (ESCs), brushless DC (BLDC) motors, Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, FPV systems, radios, sensors, and payload hardware.
• Plan and execute manual (Acro), FPV, and autonomous flight operations in diverse field conditions.
• Ensure all flight operations are conducted with exceptional situational awareness and in strict compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and aviation safety practices.
• Conduct pre-flight planning, risk assessments, system inspections, calibration of airborne and ground control equipment, and post-flight maintenance.
• Collect, analyze, and document flight test data; prepare technical reports and recommend design or process improvements.
• Participate in rapid prototyping, integration, validation, and testing of new UAS platforms and subsystems.
• Assemble mechanical and electrical components using standard fabrication tools, additive manufacturing systems, and other shop equipment.
• Document build procedures, integration processes, and testing methodologies to support repeatable manufacturing and engineering practices.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve technical objectives and program milestones.
• Provide technical support during field testing, customer demonstrations, operational missions, and training events at CONUS and OCONUS military installations.
• Support the development of operational procedures, training materials, and demonstrations as required.

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 experience.
• Minimum of 5-8 years of relevant UAS engineering, integration, or flight operations experience.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of demonstrated FPV flight experience with advanced manual (Acro) flight proficiency; a flight portfolio or demonstration reel showcasing precision manual maneuvering is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with embedded systems, low-level debugging, and communication interfaces, including Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Inter-Integrated Circuit (I²C), Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART), and Controller Area Network (CAN).
• Strong working knowledge of electrical systems, batteries, electronics, and the safe use of electrical measurement equipment.
• Experience integrating, programming, tuning, and troubleshooting PX4 and ArduPilot flight control systems on both multi-rotor and fixed-wing aircraft.
• Proficiency with mission planning and configuration software, including QGroundControl, Mission Planner, and Betaflight Configurator.
• Thorough understanding of sUAS hardware, including flight controllers, companion computers, electronic speed controllers (ESCs), motors, propellers, FPV systems, radios, GPS receivers, payloads, and related subsystems.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and engineering documentation.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and technical documentation skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in fast-paced, mission-driven environments where priorities may change rapidly.
• Ability to obtain an interim Secret security clearance within six months of hire. U.S. citizenship is required.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% in support of testing, demonstrations, customer meetings, and operational missions, both CONUS and OCONUS.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field.
• Active Secret security clearance.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) programs or military customers.
• Experience with sUAS design, prototyping, manufacturing, and assembly.
• Familiarity with mechanical systems, manufacturing processes, and parts compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with a mechanical design CAD tool, preferably SolidWorks.
• Experience designing for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Stereolithography (SLA) additive manufacturing processes, as well as traditional Computer Numerical Control (CNC) manufacturing processes.
• Experience assisting with technical training, demonstrations, or curriculum development.

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.

• 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.