Research Engineer (Engineer I) - UAS Hardware & Software

STI•Hawthorne, CA

4d•$75,000 - $85,000

About The Position

The Research Engineer (Engineer I) executes specialized technical research and development activities in direct support of STI's UAS product lines. This role sits at the intersection of hardware and software — you'll help design, build, integrate, and test the systems that make these platforms fly, sense, and think. Reports to a Principal Research Engineer.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer Engineering, or related field.
Strong skills in C/C++ and/or Python for embedded or autonomy software development.
Hands-on experience with UAS hardware — flight controllers, sensors, payload integration, or custom PCB/wiring harness work.
Experience with MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, analysis, or controls a plus.
Familiarity with autopilot firmware/ecosystems (ArduPilot, PX4) or MAVLink-based ground control software strongly preferred.
Experience with stability and control system design/assessment and/or vehicle flight modeling and simulation.
Experience in the aerospace industry required; direct UAS/UAM/sUAS hands-on build or flight-test experience a plus.

Nice To Haves

Experience with EO/IR seekers, gimbal control, or counter-UAS systems.
Experience assessing vehicle performance, flying, and handling qualities and related system performance.
Familiarity with Blue UAS / DoD UAS component certification requirements.
Experience with HIL/SIL test benches or flight-test instrumentation.

Responsibilities

Supports design, integration, and bring-up of UAS avionics hardware — flight controllers, autopilot boards, power distribution, sensor payloads (EO/IR, RADALT, GNSS/INS), and companion computers.
Develops and maintains embedded and companion-computer software in C/C++ and Python for autopilot integration (e.g., ArduPilot, PX4), autonomy behaviors, sensor fusion, and payload control.
Performs moderate to advanced design and analysis tasks in vehicle modeling, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), and flight test relevant to small UAS airframes, with an emphasis on developing and implementing innovative solutions.
Supports design and implementation of MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++ based tools and displays for flight test, vehicle assessment, and autonomous operations.
Assists with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) simulation setups to validate subsystems prior to flight test.
Supports ground control station (GCS) integration and MAVLink-based command/telemetry links between vehicle and operator.
Contributes to component selection, certification research, and supply-chain considerations (e.g., Blue UAS compliance) for UAS hardware.
Performs research and analyses as directed by project leads; prepares portions of project documents.
Performs tasks within schedule with consistency, accuracy, and attention to detail, using judgment to adapt methods for nonroutine aspects of assignments.
Assists in providing on-the-job training for new and existing employees.
Maintains project files and appropriate records of work, compliant with company and aerospace industry standards, practices, and regulations.
May assist with business development activities and customer interfacing, under supervision of project leads.
Meets all company timelines, processes, trainings, and initiatives.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical benefits (HMO – 100% company paid for Employees & Dependents)
Dental and vision plans
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
401(k) Safe Harbor Retirement Plan and company defined contribution.
Flexible spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance
Fitness Program Reimbursement and Technology Stipends
Tuition Assistance Programs
Year-round company sponsored events.
Employee rewards and recognition