Chief Engineer (UAS)

TL;DR

Chief Engineer (UAS): Leading the development and integration of next-generation unmanned aircraft systems with an accent on technical strategy, system architecture, and multi-disciplinary execution. Focus on designing autonomous flight platforms, overseeing aerodynamics and propulsion integration, and ensuring airworthiness certification.

Location: Fort Walton Beach, Florida, United States

Salary: $200,000 - $250,000 USD

Company

Developing cutting-edge autonomous unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) solutions for defense and aerospace.

What you will do

• Lead end-to-end technical development of UAS from concept through production.
• Define system architecture for next-generation platforms, including aerodynamics, propulsion, guidance, and payload integration.
• Drive technical decision-making across multidisciplinary teams including flight controls, autonomy, sensors, and communications.
• Establish and maintain technical standards, design processes, and verification methodologies.
• Lead technical risk management and trade studies for performance, cost, and schedule optimization.
• Mentor engineering talent and guide certification activities for airworthiness and operational readiness.

Requirements

• 12+ years of experience in unmanned aircraft systems development.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 5+ years in technical leadership roles with direct responsibility for system-level design.
• Proven track record of delivering unmanned aircraft programs from concept to production.
• Active or ability to obtain security clearance.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States (E-Verify).

Nice to have

• Experience with single-use munitions or attritable systems.
• Knowledge of datalinks, RF communications, and network-centric operations.
• Experience with digital engineering and model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
• Expertise in swarm coordination, collaborative autonomy, or multi-agent systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance packages.
• 401k with company match.
• 4 weeks of paid time off per year and 12 annual company holidays.
• Opportunity to work in an innovative environment shaping the future of defense and aerospace.