Principal Research Engineer

Berry Aviation, Inc.•Stillwater, OK

About The Position

The Principal Research Engineer (PRE) provides engineering leadership and technical program guidance across a range of unmanned systems projects. This role serves as a senior technical leader responsible for advancing mid-level Technology Readiness Level (TRL) systems to high-TRL product development. The PRE is a subject matter expert in unmanned systems and partners closely with the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to drive innovation and define technology roadmaps. Responsibilities include planning and executing research initiatives, managing project work and spend plans, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and serving as a liaison between customers and engineering teams. Additionally, the PRE supports business development efforts, including technical proposal development and identifying new opportunities for growth. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience in the design, fabrication, and operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including at least 8 years as a senior project leadership role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering discipline
Minimum of 8 years of project leadership and management experience
10+ years of unmanned systems engineering
U.S. Citizenship
Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain one
Strong program and project management skills, including development and oversight of work and spend plans across multiple projects
Current knowledge of Special Operations Forces (SOF) and conventional UAS user groups, including requirements and acquisition processes
Working knowledge of business partnerships, information sharing, intellectual property, and government contracting
Deep technical expertise in autonomous and unmanned systems
Experience in technical proposal development
Hands on prototyping experience, including test planning and execution
UAS integration experience
Proven ability to solve complex technical challenges

Nice To Haves

15+ years of UAS engineering experience
Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage leadership and customers
UAS ground control station operation experience
Autopilot configuration experience
UAS piloting experience

Responsibilities

Plan and execute multiple concurrent research and development projects
Develop and maintain technology and system roadmaps aligned with customer needs
Expand UAS division business by introducing new solutions to existing customers and existing capabilities to new customers
Participate in external working groups and industry forums to understand user needs and promote UAS capabilities
Support UAS division leadership in internal and external business operations and processes
Lead high-impact projects and cross functional teams
Oversee program execution, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements, labor allocation, procurement, and invoicing
Develop and manager project schedules to ensure timely delivery of UAS projects
Partner with the CTO to drive innovation and define strategic technology direction
Contribute to the design and development of unmanned platforms, subsystems, and components
Oversee development and execution of test plans across lab, ground, and flight environments