Senior UAS Systems Integration Engineer II

Responsibilities

• Configure, tune, and iterate on autopilot firmware for fixed-wing airframes, including PID tuning, failsafe logic, auto modes, and mission scripting using ArduPlane;
• Read, modify, and debug ArduPilot source code (C++) to extend autopilot capabilities, implement custom behaviors, and resolve vehicle-level anomalies;
• Design, build, and iterate on fixed-wing airframes across aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion integration — optimized for payload capacity, endurance, and operational resilience;
• Support flight test campaigns alongside flight operations — pre-flight vehicle readiness checks, ground station and telemetry setup, in-field troubleshooting, and rapid turnaround of firmware and hardware fixes between flights;
• Develop C2 link architecture, RF link budgets, electronics integration, and spectrum compliance strategies for long-range BVLOS operations;
• Design and implement custom ground station software and user interfaces to support mission planning, real-time monitoring, and post-flight analysis;
• Integrate and validate onboard science payloads and sensors, ensuring electrical compatibility, data integrity, and mission performance;
• Analyze flight logs (MAVExplorer, Flight Review) to diagnose anomalies, validate performance models, and drive systematic improvements to vehicle reliability;
• Design and fabricate custom electronics, including PCB layout for power distribution, sensor interfacing, and avionics integration;
• Document designs, test results, firmware change logs, and component specifications to build a scalable engineering knowledge base for the drone program.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a closely related field; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.
• BS + 2-4 or MS + 0-2 years of hands-on hardware/software systems integration experience required, in real-mission or production contexts;
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, with demonstrated experience reading, modifying, and debugging ArduPilot source code; strong familiarity with MAVLink protocol and GCS tooling;
• Hands-on experience with ArduPilot or PX4 based autopilot systems, preferably in production-ready or real-mission contexts;
• Experience with RF link design, C2 spectrum compliance, antenna selection, and electronics integration for long-range UAV systems;
• Electronics design and integration experience required; PCB design and fabrication experience is a strong plus;
• Ability to work hands-on across the full hardware stack — from firmware and avionics to airframe fabrication and field deployment — in a small team environment;
• Strong documentation and engineering rigor: changelogs, test reports, design rationale, and component specifications suitable for future scaling and external review;
• Genuine passion for building novel aerial systems with real-world scientific impact, and comfort operating at the frontier of hardware, firmware, and systems engineering.

Nice to have

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is a plus (or the ability to obtain is required); BVLOS waiver experience is a strong plus;
• Experience with atmospheric sensing instrumentation or science payload integration is a strong plus;

Benefits

• The salary range for this role is $95,000 - $130,000. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Protocos currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Protocos's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.