Experienced Unmanned Aviation Engineer

This role is for an experienced unmanned aviation engineer to serve as a subject matter expert in ISR and OWA mission requirements, assessing the future evolution of UAS platforms and payload capabilities. The engineer will act as a payload systems architect, defining capability requirements and integration approaches, while leveraging relationships within operational and acquisition communities to facilitate customer engagement. The position involves capturing operator pain points, translating them into system-level problem statements, and supporting capture and proposal efforts. The role is fully onsite in Manassas, VA.

Responsibilities

• Provide subject matter expertise in ISR and OWA mission requirements, including environmental constraints, EMI considerations, and operational integration challenges.
• Assess and articulate the future evolution of UAS platforms and associated payload capabilities, identifying technology gaps and emerging requirements.
• Leverage established relationships within the operational and acquisition communities to facilitate customer engagement, requirements elicitation, and solution validation.
• Capture and communicate the pain points and unmet needs of platform operators and mission crews, translating them into system-level problem statements for engineering teams.
• Serve as a payload systems architect, defining capability requirements, interface standards, and integration approaches across multi-domain payload configurations.
• Collaborate with systems engineers and program managers to ensure customer requirements are reflected in program baselines and technical roadmaps.
• Support capture activities, Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) development, and proposal efforts as a technical resource.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• 8+ years of experience in aviation, UAS, or airborne mission systems.
• Demonstrated experience with ISR and/or OWA mission environments, including knowledge of environmental and EMI/RF considerations.
• Hands-on understanding of payload systems architecture: capabilities definition, interface standards, and system integration.
• Established network within the UAS operator, program office, or requirements community, with demonstrated ability to engage key stakeholders.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Nice to have

• Prior U.S. military service, particularly in aviation, ISR operations, or UAS operations.
• Familiarity with current and emerging UAS programs of record and associated acquisition strategies.
• Experience translating operational mission requirements into systems engineering artifacts (ConOps, ORDs, ICDs, etc.).
• Active relationships with program offices, major commands, or FFRDC/UARC organizations relevant to UAS and ISR.
• Recent operational experience (within the last 3–5 years) providing direct insight into current user pain points and capability gaps.

Benefits

• An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
• Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security
• Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
• Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more