UAS Systems Design, Integration and Test Engineer

Colsa; Huntsville, Northern (AL, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

401(k) with company match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

COLSA Corporation is hiring for a UAS Systems Design, Integration and Test Engineer to lead hands-on integration, testing, and operation of diverse UAS platforms for DoD projects. You will fabricate, assemble, and refine systems using CAD tools and rapid prototyping equipment, ensuring readiness and compliance.

You will serve as a technical SME, guiding on capabilities and architecture while delivering training curricula for military customers and coordinating cross-functional research

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in a relevant technical field such as Unmanned Systems, Aerospace, Mechanical/Electrical or Systems Engineering.
• Minimum of five years of professional experience in UAS integration, testing, and flight operations.
• Proficiency with autopilot suites Piccolo/PCC, ArduPilot/Mission Planner, and PX4/QGroundControl.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks or Autodesk Inventor for mechanical design and analysis.
• Extensive experience assembling, integrating, and maintaining Groups I–III UAS.
• Must have and maintain a SECRET security clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead operator and pilot for UAS flight operations (External Pilot and Internal Pilot).
• Lead integration, testing, and troubleshooting of avionics, payloads, data links, and ground control systems.
• Fabricate, modify, and repair UAS airframes and components using composites, polymers, and metals.
• Use CAD and rapid prototyping tools (3D printers, CNC, laser/water jet) to design and refine parts.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for developmental flight projects and payload evaluations.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to advance research from concept to deployment.
• Develop and deliver flight and maintenance training curricula for military customers, including DoD personnel.

Skills

UAS integration

Flight operations

Autopilot suites

CAD software

System assembly

DoD compliance

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in unmanned systems/engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Autodesk Inventor

Mission Planner

QGroundControl

Job description

UAS Systems Design, Integration and Test Engineer

COLSA Corporation is hiring for a UAS Systems Design, Integration and Test Engineer position to join our growing UAS team. The UAS Systems Design, Integration and Test Engineer will serve as the engineering and technical specialist in a dynamic, fast-paced development environment. The engineer will lead and support the design, fabrication, integration, and testing of Groups I, II, and III multi-rotor, fixed-wing, and rotor-based/coaxial aircraft. Responsibilities include hands-on system assembly, payload integration, software configuration, developmental flight testing, and maintenance. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, operational flight proficiency, and leadership in supporting Department of Defense (DoD) projects.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as lead operator and pilot for UAS flight operations, acting as both External Pilot (EP) and Internal Pilot (IP) for manual Acro/FPV and autonomous flight profiles.
• Leads the integration, testing, and troubleshooting of UAS avionics, payloads, data links, and ground control systems.
• Performs hands-on fabrication, modification, and repair of UAS airframes and components using composites, polymers, and metals.
• Utilizes CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Autodesk) and rapid prototyping equipment such as 3D printers, CNC machinery, and laser/water jet cutters to create and refine components.
• Develops, documents, and executes comprehensive test plans for developmental flight research projects, system modifications, and new payload evaluations.
• Coordinates with cross-functional teams to advance research and development initiatives from concept to operational deployment.
• Develops and delivers flight and maintenance training curricula for military customers, including DoD personnel.
• Manages and maintains a fleet of diverse UAS platforms, ensuring operational readiness and compliance with safety standards.
• Serves as a technical subject matter expert, providing guidance on UAS capabilities, limitations, and system architecture.

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 Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Unmanned Systems, Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Technology, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of five years of professional experience in UAS integration, testing, and flight operations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with common autopilot suites, including Piccolo/PCC, ArduPilot/Mission Planner, and PX4/QGroundControl.
• Proficiency in machine CAD software, such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or similar CAD software for mechanical design and analysis.
• Extensive experience with the assembly, integration, and maintenance of Groups I, II, and III UAS.
• Must have and maintain a SECRET security clearance; US Citizenship required;

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in leadership roles such as Crew Chief or Flight Development Lead.
• Experience developing and executing flight test plans for DoD or other government agencies.
• Experience with G-Code programming and operation of CNC equipment.
• FAA Private Pilot Certificate or FAA Part 107 certification
• Experience developing and delivering technical training programs to military personnel.

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.

COLSA offers a comprehensive and customizeable benefits program which includes

• 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.