UAS Integration Engineer & Test Pilot

All Aviation Jobs; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee-centric culture

Job summary

COLSA is seeking a UAS Integration Engineer & Test Pilot to lead end-to-end integration of Group I–III UAS, including design, testing, programming, troubleshooting, and flight testing of multi-rotor and fixed-wing platforms.

The ideal candidate combines FPV piloting expertise with a strong background in embedded systems, UAS hardware, and autonomous flight control to support product development, testing, and operational missions at CONUS and OCONUS sites.

Qualifications

• Experience as FPV pilot with embedded systems and UAS hardware background.
• Strong foundation in autonomous flight control technologies and hands-on engineering.
• Proven ability to support product development, testing, and demonstrations.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, integrate, test, troubleshoot, repair, and optimize Group I and II UAS.
• Configure, program, calibrate, and troubleshoot subsystems including flight controllers, companion computers, ESCs, and sensors.
• Plan and execute manual, FPV, and autonomous flight operations in field conditions.
• Ensure flight operations comply with FAA regulations and safety practices.
• Conduct pre-flight planning, risk assessments, and post-flight maintenance.
• Collect and analyze flight test data; prepare technical reports with improvements.
• Participate in rapid prototyping and testing of new UAS platforms and subsystems.
• Document build procedures and testing methodologies for repeatable manufacturing.

Skills

FPV piloting

Embedded systems

UAS hardware

Autonomous flight control

Flight operations planning

Tools

Flight controllers

Companion computers

ESCs

BLDC motors

GPS receivers

FPV systems

Radios

Sensors

Payload hardware

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.

Benefits

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