Engineer, Flight Systems

Flagship Pioneering•Boulder, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a UAS Flight Engineer to join our growing hardware team. This is a hands-on engineering role focused on fixed-wing UAV development, BVLOS operations planning, and systems integration. You will focus on a critical component of our platform — designing, building, operating, and iterating on a purpose-built aerial system where the airframe, autopilot stack, and payload integration are all co-developed from the ground up. This role will work alongside a small, highly technical team at the intersection of advanced science, cutting-edge engineering, and field operations, moving us from early prototype flights toward a hardened, field-proven platform capable of executing precision missions in demanding international environments.

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.
3–6 years of hands-on experience with Ardupilot-based autopilot systems, preferably in production-ready or real mission contexts
Proficiency in C++ and/or Python with experience reading, modifying, and debugging ArduPilot source code; familiarity with MAVLink protocol and GCS software (Mission Planner, QGroundControl)
Practical fixed-wing airframe build and flight test experience, including manual RC aircraft proficiency and an understanding of aerodynamic design trade-offs for custom platforms
Ability to work hands-on across the full hardware stack in a small team environment — from firmware and electronics to airframe fabrication and field deployment
Strong documentation habits, including maintaining changelogs, flight logs, test reports, and component specifications suitable for future scaling and external review

Nice To Haves

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is a plus (or the ability to obtain is required)
experience with BVLOS waivers, 107 Waivers, COA applications, manned aircraft operations, or international UAS regulations is a strong plus
Experience with RF link design, C2 spectrum compliance, antenna selection, and electronics integration for long-range UAV systems
Electronics design, integration, and PCB design is a strong plus
Experience with atmospheric sensing, meteorology or weather forecasting is a strong plus
Experience supporting field campaigns or flight tests in remote or international environments is a plus
Genuine passion for building novel aerial platforms with real-world scientific or environmental impact, and comfort working at the intersection of hardware, firmware, and field operations

Responsibilities

Configure, tune, and iterate on autopilot firmware for fixed-wing airframes, including PID tuning, failsafe logic, auto modes, and mission scripting
Design, build, and iterate on fixed-wing airframes suited to a variety of payload designs, working across aerodynamics, structures, and propulsion integration
Plan BVLOS operations planning and flight test execution, including waiver compliance, pre-flight risk assessment, and real-time mission monitoring
Develop C2 link architecture, RF link budget, electronics integration, and spectrum compliance for long-range operations
Design software for custom ground station capabilities and user interfaces
Analyze flight logs (MAVExplorer, Flight Review) to diagnose anomalies and drive iterative improvements to vehicle performance and reliability
Collaborate with the science and field teams to integrate and validate onboard sensors, ensuring data quality and mission success
Document designs, test results, and standard operating procedures to build a scalable engineering knowledge base for the drone program