Drone Engineer
About Epirus
Epirus is a high-growth technology company developing solid-state, software-defined directed energy systems that enable unprecedented counter-electronics effects and power management solutions to optimize power efficiency in defense and commercial applications. With a constant emphasis on innovation, we are redefining the future of power to bring tomorrow’s capabilities to life, today. And that’s just the beginning.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a capable and motivated Drone Engineer to join our Field Operations and Sustainment team. This role is ideal for an experienced UAS professional with strong technical proficiency and real-world flight operations experience. You will support the full life cycle of drone systems—from bench integration and lab validation to flight testing and data analysis—with a direct focus on building capabilities that integrate with Epirus' Counter-UAS High-Power Microwave (HPM) systems.
In addition to core engineering responsibilities, this role could include travel supporting field operations as a Field Service Representative (FSR). These deployments involve hands-on system setup, integration, and sustainment of both drone systems and the Leonidas HPM platform in support of operational demonstrations, government test events, and data-gathering missions.
Responsibilities:
Primary Responsibilities – Drone Engineering:
- Configure, integrate, and sustain various UAS platforms including FPV drones, DJI/Autel commercial systems, and Blue UAS-compliant aircraft.
- Pilot drones in both manual (FPV) and autonomous flight modes during internal tests, external demos, and field exercises.
- Tune and operate flight controllers such as F405, F7, Pixhawk, and Cube Orange using ArduPilot and related open-source stacks.
- Support drone system design, payload integration, and rapid prototyping efforts for emerging mission needs.
- Conduct subsystem testing to identify vulnerabilities and performance characteristics when exposed to directed energy.
- Collaborate with RF, software, and systems engineers to integrate drones into a broader sensor-fusion and defeat architecture.
- Collect and analyze data related to acoustic, RF, and electromagnetic characteristics of target drones to support weapon system optimization.
- Document system configurations, flight logs, integration procedures, and test results.
- Contribute to the creation and refinement of a UAS threat characterization database supporting AI-enabled C2 and targeting tools.
Additional Responsibilities – Field Support (As required)
- Serve as a forward-deployed technical specialist during field operations involving Epirus’ Leonidas HPM and UAS platforms.
- Support system deployment, integration, and sustainment for live fire exercises, military demonstrations, and government test events.
- Maintain readiness kits, spares, and tools necessary for field deployments; ensure systems are prepped for immediate use.
- Represent Epirus professionally in high-visibility engagements with government and defense partners.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
- 4+ years of experience in UAS operations, flight testing, or engineering integration roles.
- Demonstrated ability to pilot FPV drones and conduct autonomous flight operations.
- Hands-on experience with ArduPilot, PX4, and related autopilot stacks.
- Strong familiarity with RF links, GPS/telemetry systems, and UAS command and control architectures.
- Experience performing diagnostics, system-level troubleshooting, and component replacement in the field.
- Ability to travel up to 50%, including short-notice deployments to military ranges or operational sites.
Preferred Qualifications:
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Experience working in field test environments and/or supporting government-sponsored demonstrations.
- Familiarity with counter-UAS technologies, radar integration, or C2 systems (e.g., FAAD C2, SHORAD, or JADC2 ecosystems).
- Prior exposure to RF-directed energy systems or HPM effects on electronics.
- Ability to work independently in high-tempo, dynamic environments with minimal oversight.
Physical & Travel Requirements:
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, and conduct physical tasks in both indoor labs and field conditions.
- Willingness to relocate to Southern California.
- Up to 50% travel required, including multi-week domestic and international deployments with little to no notice.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
- To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
People are the most important part of Epirus – and always come first. We don’t believe in the word impossible and are always asking “why not” as work to usher in a new paradigm of power efficiency. Our fast-growing team is agile, creative, and innovative. We support a culture of constant learning and sense of belonging among our team members and know that mentorship matters. We embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. To deliver on our mission, we are always looking for problem solvers, changemakers and innovators to join our fast-growing team.