UAS GNC Systems Engineer - 1615
About The Position
Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is seeking a Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)/ Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer to support research and development activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors. This role involves spearheading the development of unmanned navigation and control technologies, with emphasis on flight controller integration, autonomous navigation, and AI-driven edge processing. The candidate will configure and integrate flight control systems, integrate sensors, optimize embedded software, and deploy AI models on embedded platforms. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate across hardware, software, and AI teams to advance the boundaries of autonomous aerial systems in a multidisciplinary environment from concept through operation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 5 – 7 years of hands-on experience with flight controller integration and UAV software development
- Experience with NVIDIA Jetson AI acceleration, DeepStream SDK, and / or CUDA programming
- Knowledge of AI-driven perception, SLAM, and real-time processing on Jetson platforms
- Experience designing UAS GNC architectures in GPS unavailable environments
- Strong proficiency in PX4, ArduPilot, MAVLink, ROS, C++, and Python
- Experience with PID tuning, sensor calibration, and autonomous navigation algorithms
- Understanding of wireless communication protocols, low-latency video streaming, and telemetry links
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
- May require Moderate physical effort, including standing, sitting, and use of hands while performing duties, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
- Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist
Nice To Haves
- Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
- 10+ years of hands-on experience with flight controller integration and UAV software and hardware development
- Proficiency in Linux (Ubuntu)
- Background in real-time embedded systems and FPGA-based AI acceleration
- Familiarity with mission planning tools (QGroundControl, Mission Planner) and UAV test/validation procedures
- Hands-on experience with hardware debugging tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, protocol sniffers)
- Active DoD Top Secret Clearance
Responsibilities
- Configure and integrate flight controllers (PX4, ArduPilot) with various UAV platforms such as CUBE
- Perform firmware flashing, parameter tuning (PID adjustments, motor mapping, ESC calibration), and sensor integration (GPS, IMU, LiDAR, magnetometer, barometer)
- Develop and optimize embedded software using C++, Python, ROS, and MAVLink for communication with Jetson-based AI/vision systems
- Implement computer vision and AI-based perception for real-time object tracking and SLAM, leveraging OpenCV, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and DeepStream
- Utilize CUDA programming to optimize neural network inference on Jetson platforms for efficient edge AI deployment
- Establish reliable networking and telemetry solutions, integrating MAVLink over Wi-Fi/LTE/5G for command/control and GStreamer/RTSP for FPV video streaming
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop mission planning and autonomous navigation capabilities using QGroundControl and Mission Planner
- Support remote control and monitoring solutions for UAV operations in field environments
- Build and lead a team focused on unmanned system navigation and control technology
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
- A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
- Tuition & certification reimbursement
- Flexible work schedules
- Discretionary Employee bonuses
- 401(k) match/profit sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
