UAS Integration Technician

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 34,440 - 68,880; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in the Baltimore-Washington region seeks a hands-on UAS Integration Technician to build, modify, and test autonomous air systems. You will integrate payloads, avionics, and ground support gear, working with engineers in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.

You're expected to have a high school diploma and proven experience with mechanical and electrical assemblies, soldering, wiring, and safety-conscious lab work, plus willingness to travel

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Hands-on technician experience in aerospace, aviation maintenance, robotics, mechanical systems, or related fields.
• Built, modified, repaired, or maintained mechanical or electrical systems.
• Strong workmanship in soldering, crimping, wiring, routing, labeling, and inspection.
• Practical understanding of electronics, computer hardware, hand tools, and shop practices.
• Willingness to adapt to evolving requirements and transform sketches into working hardware.
• Ability to document work using standard office software.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel and to obtain required clearances.

Responsibilities

• Build, modify, integrate, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain prototype UAS, payloads, test fixtures, and ground support equipment.
• Work with engineers to turn sketches, CAD models, wiring diagrams, and concepts into functioning hardware.
• Perform hands-on mechanical and electrical integration of UAS platforms, including airframe modification, avionics installation, payload integration, propulsion installation, wiring, soldering, crimping, harness fabrication, labeling, and system checkout.
• Fabricate and modify airframe components using composites, additive manufacturing, hand tools, and machine shop equipment.
• Identify buildability, fit, routing, access, maintainability, durability, and safety issues early and propose practical improvements.
• Support laboratory, ground, and flight testing by preparing vehicles, performing pre-flight inspections, maintaining ground support equipment, troubleshooting hardware, and returning systems to test-ready condition.
• Assist engineers with system checkout and diagnostics using standard test equipment and software interfaces.
• Maintain UAS development laboratories and workspaces, ensuring tools are calibrated and inventories organized.
• Document build configurations, as-built deviations, repair actions, and test observations to aid reproducibility.
• Communicate effectively across disciplines and maintain safety procedures.
• Occasionally operate a cargo van to transport test equipment or support field activities.

Skills

Hands-on technician

Soldering

Electrical wiring

Mechanical systems

Documentation

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Safety awareness

Travel readiness

US citizenship

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical degree or military training

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Tools

CNC machinery

Laser cutters

3D printers

Oscilloscope

Job description

Are you interested in working on multidisciplinary teams that rapidly build, modify, integrate, test, repair, and improve uncrewed air systems?

Are you interested in applying hands‑on mechanical and electrical skills to develop low-cost autonomous systems and defense mission capabilities that must perform reliably in realistic test environments?

If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, we are looking for someone like you to join our team in the Intelligent Combat Systems Group at APL!

Who are we?

We are the Intelligent Combat Systems Group, and our mission is to ensure our Nation maintains an operational advantage on the future battlefield through advances in artificial intelligence, autonomy, human‑machine teaming, and novel uncrewed aircraft design and testing.

We believe the future battlefield will be shaped by intelligent autonomous systems capable of operating with machine precision at machine speed. Our teams bring together engineers, technicians, operators, and analysts to rapidly move from concepts and CAD models to hardware, ground testing, flight testing, lessons learned, redesign, and delivery.

Our work has contributed to nationally recognized programs including DARPA Air Combat Evolution (ACE), AFRL Golden Horde, and Air Force Skyborg, demonstrating our impact in advancing autonomous air systems.

We are seeking practical, dependable prototype builders who take pride in producing hardware that performs reliably. Our team is entrepreneurial and multidisciplinary. We value craftsmanship, disciplined testing, candid communication, low‑ego collaboration, and teammates who speak up early when something doesn't fit, doesn't work, or creates unnecessary risk. We especially value technicians who have built, modified, repaired, or maintained systems that others relied on in the laboratory, shop, field, or operational environment.

As a UAS Integration Technician, you will:

• Build, modify, integrate, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain prototype UAS, payloads, test fixtures, and ground support equipment.
• Work alongside engineers to turn sketches, CAD models, wiring diagrams, and design concepts into functioning hardware.
• Perform hands‑on mechanical and electrical integration of UAS platforms, including airframe modification, avionics installation, payload integration, propulsion installation, wiring, soldering, crimping, harness fabrication, labeling, and system checkout.
• Fabricate and modify airframe components using composites, additive manufacturing, hand tools, and machine shop equipment.
• Identify buildability, fit, routing, access, maintainability, durability, and safety issues early, and recommend practical improvements.
• Support laboratory, ground, and flight testing by preparing vehicles and equipment, performing pre‑flight inspections, maintaining ground support equipment, troubleshooting hardware, and returning systems to a test‑ready condition.
• Assist engineers with system checkout and diagnostics using standard test equipment, custom software interfaces, and practical troubleshooting techniques.
• Maintain UAS development laboratories and workspaces by ensuring tools remain calibrated, equipment is maintained, and component inventories are organized and available.
• Document build configurations, as‑built deviations, repair actions, test observations, and lessons learned so teammates can effectively reproduce, operate, and improve the system.
• Communicate effectively with teammates across multiple disciplines and experience levels, raising concerns whenever something appears unsafe, unreliable, or inconsistent with the design intent.
• Follow laboratory and flight‑test safety procedures while helping maintain a safe working environment.
• Occasionally operate a cargo van to transport test equipment, support field activities, or deliver hardware for vendor repair or calibration.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Have relevant hands‑on experience as a technician in aerospace, aviation maintenance, robotics, mechanical systems, custom fabrication, field service, manufacturing, or an equivalent military occupational specialty.
• Have built, modified, repaired, or maintained mechanical or electrical systems that others relied upon.
• Demonstrate strong workmanship in assembling complex electrical and mechanical systems, including soldering, crimping, wiring, routing, fastening, labeling, and inspection.
• Have a practical understanding of electronics, computer hardware, hand tools, shop practices, and safe work around prototype hardware.
• Can work effectively from evolving requirements by asking good questions and helping transform sketches, drawings, or incomplete designs into working hardware.
• Can accurately document work using standard office software.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Are comfortable raising concerns when a design is difficult to build, unsafe, unreliable, difficult to maintain, or likely to fail during testing.
• Are willing to occasionally travel and work extended hours in support of laboratory and field testing.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Hold a technical degree, military technical training, or relevant certifications (e.g., A&P, IPC, J-STD‑001, IPC/WHMA‑A‑620).
• Have experience supporting UAS, aviation maintenance, robotics, motorsports, military systems, expeditionary operations, prototype development, or other environments where hardware reliability is critical.
• Have supported field testing, logistics, or flight operations involving equipment readiness, shipping, hazardous materials, communications equipment, or rapid troubleshooting.
• Have experience with composite fabrication, layup, repair, and structural modification.
• Hold a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and have experience operating UAS.
• Are familiar with UAS avionics, autopilot hardware, ground control software, and flight-system checkout.
• Have experience operating machine shop equipment, CNC machinery, laser cutters, waterjets, 3D printers, or other fabrication tools.
• Can interpret mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, and CAD models (e.g., SolidWorks).
• Have experience building or repairing systems where weight, vibration, thermal effects, power, environmental exposure, packaging, and maintainability are important design considerations.
• Are willing and able to travel up to 10% and routinely lift equipment weighing more than 50 pounds.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$25.30 Hourly

Maximum Rate

$50.00 Hourly