UAV Systems Engineer - Guidance Navigation & Controls

Leonardo DRS, Inc.•Germantown, MD

5d•$107,089 - $144,570•Onsite

About The Position

DRS RADA Technologies is seeking an onsite Senior Systems Engineer who focuses on Guidance Navigation & Controls to join our growing UAV development team in Germantown, MD. The ideal candidate will assist in developing the algorithms to convert live radar tracks into real-time guidance to control the UAV towards the target.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical field
A minimum of 5 years of engineering experience
Solid understanding of guidance and control fundamentals, including pursuit guidance, closing velocity/geometry, proportional navigation.
Hands-on experience with drone autopilot hardware and firmware.
Strong real-time software development in Python and/or C++, comfortable writing code that runs as a companion-computer process (e.g., on a Raspberry Pi, Jetson, or similar) alongside a flight controller.
Experience with SITL/HITL simulation workflows for validating flight software before live test.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with intercept, rendezvous, or target-tracking guidance
Experience integrating radar or other tracking-sensor data into a robotics/flight software stack.
Background in counter-UAS, missile GNC, or autonomous aerial systems.
Experience with ITAR controlled products or defense manufacturing
Experience with design, build, and fly of small UAVs
FAA Part 107 certified
Active U.S. security clearance (Secret or higher); candidates without a clearance will be considered
U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

Responsibilities

Build the interface that consumes live target track data from the radar and converts it into a usable target state in the vehicle's reference frame.
Implement a guidance law that guides the aircraft towards its target.
Set up and run a simulation environment to test performance with simulated or replayed radar tracks.
Support in-field flight testing

Benefits

comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
employer matching 401(k) retirement plan
paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave)
parental leave benefits
tuition reimbursement
professional development support
life and disability insurance coverage
company contribution to a health savings account
telemedicine
legal insurance
401(k) savings plan
wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being
programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement
flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program
competitive vacation
health/emergency leave
paid parental leave
community service hours