Senior UAS Engineer
About The Position
Mettle Ops / Celestus is seeking an experienced Senior UAS Engineer to lead the development of autonomous multirotor and fixed-wing aircraft for defense applications. This role is responsible for flight software development, vehicle integration, and execution of flight test programs across multiple platforms. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with ArduPilot/PX4, multirotor and fixed-wing UAS development, and autonomous systems, with the ability to take platforms from concept through flight testing. This is a senior-level technical leadership role with responsibility for mentoring junior engineers and driving program execution.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- Significant hands-on experience with UAS flight software and autonomy
- Strong experience with ArduPilot and/or PX4
- Proven experience supporting flight test programs
- Ability to work on-site in Madison Heights, MI
- Must meet ITAR requirements
Nice To Haves
- Experience with defense or government UAS programs
- Fixed-wing and multirotor platform experience
- Familiarity with HITL/SITL environments
- Experience supporting proposals or customer-facing technical discussions
Responsibilities
- Develop, configure, and tune ArduPilot/PX4 flight control systems for multirotor and fixed-wing platforms
- Implement custom flight modes, autonomous behaviors, and mission profiles
- Integrate sensor systems (GPS, IMU, barometer, optical) with flight controllers
- Develop and validate terminal guidance approaches for intercept applications
- Lead airframe integration including avionics, propulsion, and payload systems
- Manage the full development lifecycle from prototype through production-representative units
- Coordinate COTS component selection, integration, and testing
- Develop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and technical data packages
- Plan and execute flight test programs, including required safety documentation
- Conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) simulation and ground testing
- Analyze flight data to diagnose issues and optimize performance
- Establish test infrastructure and procedures to support ongoing development
- Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior engineers
- Support program management with schedule inputs, risk identification, and trade studies
- Interface with external partners and customers on technical requirements
- Contribute to proposals, white papers, and formal technical documentation
Benefits
- Work on mission-critical autonomous defense systems
- High-impact role with technical ownership and leadership visibility
- Small-team environment where expertise directly shapes outcomes
- Competitive compensation and benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
