UAS Design Engineer

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect protect and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean VA By Light supports defense civilian and commercial IT customers worldwide.

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The UAS Design Engineering Lead provides technical leadership and subject matter expertise in the design rapid prototyping integration and testing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for government programs. This role ensures all engineering effortsparticularly for Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platformsare aligned with contractual requirements industry standards and program objectives while guiding a multidisciplinary team through all phases of the UAS lifecycle.

This is not a remote position; the selected candidate will be required to work onsite in Port Orange FL.

• Technical Leadership: Direct and oversee the UAS design engineering team ensuring technical excellence and innovation with a focus on Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms.
• Requirements Analysis: Analyze interpret and decompose customer and stakeholder requirements into actionable engineering specifications particularly for Group 1 and 2 unmanned aerial systems.
• Rapid Design & Prototyping: Quickly design prototype and iterate new UAS solutions based on evolving customer requirements and timelines with demonstrated expertise in Group 1 and 2 UAS development.
• 3D Concept Development: Utilize Autodesk Inventor and/or SolidWorks for advanced 3D modeling to develop iterate and refine UAS concepts assemblies and components from initial concept through final design.
• DFM/DFA Integration: Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) methodologies to ensure optimized production and assembly processes reducing cost and complexity while improving quality and reliability.
• Systems Architecture: Lead the development and validation of UAS architectures subsystems and interfaces.
• Integration & Testing: Oversee system integration test planning execution and design verification/validation efforts for Group 1 and 2 UAS.
• Risk Management: Identify technical risks; develop and implement mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Compliance & Standards: Ensure all designs adhere to relevant regulatory military and industry standards (e.g. FAA DoD MIL-STD) specifically as they apply to Group 1 and 2 UAS categories.
• Documentation: Prepare and review technical documentation design artifacts and compliance reports for stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as primary technical liaison with program management customers and suppliers.
• Team Development: Mentor train and support the continuous development of engineering staff.

• Bachelors degree in Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering or a related discipline. Masters degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in aerospace or defense engineeringincluding UAS design and development.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design prototyping integration and testing ofGroup 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms including knowledge of applicable DoD and FAA categorization and requirements.
• Proven experience applying Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) methodologies to optimize product designs for efficient manufacturing and assembly.
• Proven ability to develop and refine engineering concepts and solutions utilizing Autodesk Inventor and/or SolidWorks for advanced 3D modeling.
• In depth knowledge and expertise in all aspects of UAS systems software: drone platform operating systems component firmware base station software TAK software. Ability to load configure and test SW as required on drones and drone system components. Ability to identify and relate technical software requirements to with internal and external software developers.
• Software experience with UAS control and integration software including EdgeTX MAVLink ArduPilot TAK APIs Betaflight etc.
• Demonstrated expertise in systems engineering principles product lifecycle management and multidisciplinary team leadership.
• Strong ability to rapidly design prototype and iterate new solutions in response to dynamic customer requirements.
• Deep knowledge of relevant regulations and standards (e.g. FAA Part 107 MIL-STD-810 DO-178C DO-254).
• Flexibility and agility to adjust schedules to meet rapidly evolving customer requirements.
• Lead and manage an in house rapid prototyping facility (ie maker shop) and staff.
• Proven track record in delivering complex aerospace or UAS projects on time and within budget.

• Strong communication interpersonal and presentation skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced dynamic and collaborative team environment.

• Willingness to travel as required to support program objectives or customer engagements.

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in engineering or related field.
• Demonstrated experience with rapid prototyping resources and processes focused on Group 1 and 2 UAVs.
• Ability to write code firmware as required.
• FAA Part 107 Certification

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance as required by contract or program needs.