UAS Research Engineer: Field Ops & Payloads

Southwest Research Institute Inc.; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute Inc. in San Antonio, Texas seeks an Engineer in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) to design, integrate, test, and operate UAS hardware and software for field deployments.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on mission planning, payload integration, sensors, and autonomy; must have a BS in engineering, Part 107, and readiness for challenging environments. Security clearance preferred and US citizen.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or directly related engineering degree with related experience in UAS Systems.
• Part 107 Drone Pilot Certificate (FAA) required.
• Current and active security clearance is highly preferred.
• 0-5 years: Experience with UAS systems, emphasizing field deployment, payload integration, and compliance validation.
• Willingness to perform operations and testing in challenging environments, including extreme weather conditions and remote outdoor settings.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement UAS-related systems, including payload and sensor integration.
• Perform in-field testing, data collection, and analysis for system validation.
• Develop technical documentation such as user specifications, test plans, and SOPs.
• Support mission planning and autonomous platform development.

Skills

UAS design

Payload integration

Field testing

Mission planning

Embedded computing

UAS autonomy

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or related

Job description

Southwest Research Institute Inc. in San Antonio, Texas seeks an Engineer in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) to design, integrate, test, and operate UAS hardware and software for field deployments.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on mission planning, payload integration, sensors, and autonomy; must have a BS in engineering, Part 107, and readiness for challenging environments. Security clearance preferred and US citizen.