UAS Operations Test Engineer

Leidos; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 92,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking an experienced UAS Operations Test Engineer in Huntsville to join a team of engineers supporting the integration and test of Tactical Uncrewed Aviation Systems. This role involves hands-on testing in both lab and field environments, collaboration with government stakeholders, and delivery of detailed technical reports.

The ideal candidate has 8–12 years of UAS operations experience, holds a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or higher, and must maintain a Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• BS in a related field from an accredited institution with 8-12 years of applicable UAS operations experience.
• In lieu of a degree, a High School diploma with 20 years of applicable flight operations is acceptable.
• Hands-on experience with various UAS platforms, performing both Air and Payload Operations.
• Working knowledge of Unmanned Aviation System components.
• Working knowledge of DCMA 8210-1D processes.
• Possession or ability to possess Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or a private pilot’s license).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop detailed technical reports and briefings.
• Must possess and be able to maintain a Secret clearance.
• Must be a resident of Huntsville, AL or willing to relocate to the Huntsville, AL area.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop test plans, procedures, and detailed technical reports.
• Conduct lab, field, and flight testing, including test setup, data collection, and post-test analysis.
• Analyze and troubleshoot system behavior using standard flight control and test systems to include protocol analyzers and flight replay utilities.

Skills

UAS operations

Flight testing

Report writing

Communication skills

Secret clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

High School diploma with 20 years of experience

Tools

DCMA 8210-1D

Remote Pilot Certification (Part 107)

Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact? At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business. Your greatest work is ahead! Leidos’ Defense Systems RF Systems UAS Portfolio is seeking a UAS Operations Test Engineer to join our team supporting a team of engineers to support the integration and test of Tactical Uncrewed Aviation Systems. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on test engineer with a strong background in UAS operations, capable of working independently in both lab and field environments. You’ll be responsible for testing emerging UAS ground control and flight systems, and collaborating closely with government stakeholders to ensure reliable, mission‑ready solutions. If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading! Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large‑scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop test plans, procedures, and detailed technical reports.
• Conduct lab, field, and flight testing, including test setup, data collection, and post-test analysis.
• Analyze and troubleshoot system behavior using standard flight control and test systems to include protocol analyzers and flight replay utilities.

Basic Qualifications

• BS in a related field from an accredited institution with 8-12 years of applicable UAS operations experience.
• In lieu of a degree, a High School diploma with 20 years of applicable flight operations is acceptable.
• Hands‑on experience with various UAS platforms, performing both Air and Payload Operations.
• Working knowledge of Unmanned Aviation System components.
• Working knowledge of DCMA 8210-1D processes.
• Possession or ability to possess Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (or a private pilot’s license).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop detailed technical reports and briefings.
• Must possess and be able to maintain a Secret clearance.
• Must be a resident of Huntsville, AL or willing to relocate to the Huntsville, AL area.

Preferred Qualifications

• UAS operational experience.
• Experience with testing DoD UAS’.
• Knowledge of UAS command and control protocols.
• Knowledge of UAS ISR payload platforms.

Original Posting: October 19, 2026 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range: Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Leidos Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Securing Your Data Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [e-mail].