Autonomous Flight Systems Field Engineer

Flytrex•Denton, TX

18d•Onsite

About The Position

The Autonomous Flight Systems Field Engineer is a hands-on technical role supporting research, development, and operational testing of Flytrex’s end-to-end drone delivery system. The role combines field flight operations with lab and bench engineering work, including configuring, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting autonomous flight systems at the Flytrex Flight Test Facility. This is a full-time, on-site position with general working hours Monday through Friday and local travel to the position location. The field engineer is expected to understand 14 CFR Part 107 regulations and ensure operations comply with local, state, and federal requirements. The role requires familiarity with ArduPilot-based flight controllers, Mission Planner, and autonomous systems integration, as well as integrity, sound judgment, and a rigorous commitment to safety and operational protocols. U.S. citizenship is required. The work takes place outdoors, including in inclement, hot, and extreme-cold weather, with limited office work. Standard office equipment such as computers, radios, equipment, and telephones is used. The job includes operating autonomous vehicles and requires lifting up to 50 pounds, among other physical activities.

Requirements

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Hands-on experience with ArduPilot and/or similar flight controller platforms, including configuration, parameter tuning, and fault troubleshooting.
Proficiency with Mission Planner and/or similar tools for mission planning, system configuration, and telemetry review.
Experience with UAS systems integration and hardware testing, including sensor integration, calibration, and structured test protocol execution.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to diagnose complex system faults in field and lab environments.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to produce clear, accurate technical documentation and test reports.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment.
Valid driver’s license, subject to a driving-record background check.
U.S. citizenship.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Technical degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience; three or more years working with autonomous UAS systems may be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with MAVLink protocol or equivalent automation/scripting tools for UAS telemetry and workflow automation.
Python proficiency for scripting, automation, and telemetry data analysis.
Experience with Pixhawk hardware platforms.
Familiarity with ROS, MAVSDK, DroneKit, or similar robotics/autonomy frameworks.
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) or software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing environments.
Experience with Jira for structured documentation of flight logs, maintenance records, anomaly tickets, and R&D experiments.
Technical degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Configure, tune, and validate Flytrex flight controllers and supporting hardware.
Operate Flytrex Flight Control Software for mission planning, real-time telemetry review, and post-flight data analysis.
Perform systems integration and testing, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, sensor calibration, and payload integration.
Execute aircraft research and development functions and flight testing according to strict procedures and checklists.
Perform aircraft maintenance and ensure operational readiness of flight systems and required equipment.
Document daily flight activities, flight logs, and technical test reports with engineering-grade precision.
Deconflict ground and air risks in compliance with 14 CFR Part 107 during operations.
Apply systematic root cause analysis to flight anomalies, hardware failures, and software faults.
Assist with the design and continuous improvement of operational and testing procedures.
Perform collateral duties as required.