UAS Integration 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.

The UAS Integration Engineer is primarily responsible for UAS payload integration and UAS mechanical design supporting the design prototyping integration and testing of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and their payloads for government programs with an emphasis on Group 1 and Group 2 platforms. The role combines hands-on mechanical design with cross-disciplinary integration work blending the responsibilities of a design engineer with those of a UAS systems specialist. Candidates must be competent in CAD and CAM software (SolidWorks Fusion 360) hold a Mechanical or Electrical Engineering degree and be open to travel up to 25%.

Working alongside senior engineers and within our rapid-prototyping facility you will take payloads and subsystems from concept through CAD modeling fabrication fit-up and physical integration onto airframes across lab shop and field environments. This is a growth-oriented position for an engineer early in their career who wants to build deep practical UAS expertise. Early on youll execute well-scoped design and integration tasks; over time youll grow into owning payload integration efforts end to end and taking on broader systems responsibility.

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

• Mechanical Design: Design UAS structures mounts brackets enclosures and payload interfaces using CAD software (SolidWorks Fusion 360) accounting for weight balance and structural integrity.
• Payload Integration: Integrate payloadssensors EO/IR cameras communications equipment radios antennas and mission-specific hardwareonto Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms ensuring mechanical fit and electrical compatibility.
• Rapid Prototyping: Support quick-turn design prototyping and iteration of UAS solutions using CAM software to prepare parts for machining 3D printing and fabrication.
• DFM/DFA: Apply Design for Manufacturability and Design for Assembly principles to reduce cost and complexity while improving quality and reliability.
• Field Support: Travel to test sites customer locations and demonstrations to support integration and evaluation activities (approximately 25%).

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering or a related discipline (Aerospace Engineering also applicable).
• 2 years of relevant engineering experience; strong recent graduates with significant project internship or hands-on UAS/robotics experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated competency in CAD and CAM software specifically SolidWorks and/or Fusion 360.
• Solid grasp of mechanical design fundamentals tolerancing and design for manufacturability and assembly.
• Basic mechanical and electrical aptitude including comfort with hand tools test equipment soldering and wiring.
• Highly organized and deadline-driven with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple integration tasks at once.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25%.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret (Tier 3) security clearance as required by contract or program needs.

• Hands-on experience with UAS drones or other unmanned and robotic platforms (academic professional or hobbyist).
• Familiarity with Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms and applicable DoD/FAA categorization.
• Experience with Autodesk Inventor in addition to SolidWorks/Fusion 360.
• Familiarity with rapid prototyping 3D printing or CNC machining.
• Basic understanding of RF communications links GPS/GNSS or telemetry concepts.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or willingness to obtain one.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret (Tier 3) clearance.
• Up to 25% travel to support program objectives and customer engagements.