Autonomous Flight Systems Field Engineer

Flytrex•Hurst, TX

2d•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 position combines field flight operations with laboratory and bench engineering, including configuring, integrating, testing, and troubleshooting autonomous flight systems at the Flytrex Flight Test Facility. This is a full-time, on-site position. The field engineer is expected to maintain a thorough understanding of CFR 14 Part 107 regulations and ensure operations comply with local, state, and federal requirements. Deep familiarity with ArduPilot-based flight controllers, Mission Planner, and autonomous systems integration is essential. Crew members must demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, and a rigorous commitment to safety and operational protocols. The role generally works Monday through Friday and includes local travel. U.S. citizenship is required. Duties may change as business needs evolve.

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 laboratory environments.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and 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 driving record background check.
U.S. citizenship.
Equivalent hands-on experience of 3+ years working with autonomous UAS systems may be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

Nice To Haves

Technical degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field.
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.

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 CFR 14 Part 107 during operations.
Apply systematic root cause analysis to flight anomalies, hardware failures, and software faults.
Assist with designing and continuously improving operational and testing procedures.
Perform collateral duties as required.