Chartis Federal · 2 weeks ago
UAS Integration & Prototyping Engineer
Leesburg, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
3+ years expChartis Federal is a premier systems engineering and integration firm specializing in mission-critical IT and communications solutions for law enforcement, homeland security, and defense. They are seeking a hands-on UAS Integration & Prototyping Engineer to support unmanned systems programs, focusing on rapid iteration, system integration, and improving reliability of deployed systems.
Cyber SecurityInformation TechnologyPublic SafetySecurity
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Execute rapid system integration and modification to support accelerated deployment and fielding timelines
Integrate avionics, flight controllers, radios, power systems, sensors, and payloads onto UAS platforms
Perform hands-on electrical and mechanical integration, including wiring, soldering, mounting, and system assembly
Configure and troubleshoot flight control systems (PX4/ArduPilot familiarity preferred)
Support ground testing, flight testing, and iterative platform refinement
Ensure reliable command, control and communications performance in operation and contested environments
Support integration and operation of UAS command-and-control ecosystems, including: Auterion Mission Control or comparable GCS / fleet management systems
Vehicle-to-ground and vehicle-to-vehicle datalinks
Configure and troubleshoot RF systems and radios, including exposure to tactical or industrial solutions (e.g., Thales, Doodle Labs, Silvus, Persistent Systems, or similar)
Assist with antenna placement, EMI considerations, and link reliability in operational environments
Design and modify components using CAD tools (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or equivalent)
Operate and maintain in-house 3D printers (FDM; CF/Nylon and advanced materials preferred)
Enable rapid in-house iteration to reduce dependency on external engineering and integration contractors
Rapidly prototype and iterate mounts, enclosures, fixtures, and structural components
Refine designs based on vibration, thermal, EMI, and field feedback
Improve reliability, maintainability, and repeatability of deployed systems
Support BOM development, part standardization, and manufacturability decisions
Produce practical documentation (build notes, wiring diagrams, repair guidance)
Reduce reliance on external integration and engineering contractors through in-house capability
Provide technical support to internal teams and trusted partners
Occasional domestic and international travel to support integration, testing, or delivery activities
Act as a technically credible, execution-focused representative for high-consequence unmanned systems programs
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related technical field) preferred, or equivalent combination of education, certifications, and hands-on experience
3–5 years of hands-on experience working with UAS, robotics, or complex electromechanical systems
Strong mechanical and electrical integration skills, including wiring, soldering, mounting, and system assembly
Proficiency with CAD tools and additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification (required)
Comfort working on-site in a hardware-centric, execution-focused environment
Ability to work independently, own tasks end-to-end, and operate with minimal oversight
U.S. Citizenship with eligibility to obtain and maintain required security clearances
Preferred
Experience with PX4 and/or ArduPilot flight control stacks
Familiarity with Auterion Mission Control or similar UAS command-and-control platforms
Experience integrating RF communications systems (Thales, Doodle Labs, Silvus, Persistent, or similar)
Prior military, aviation, or defense-adjacent experience
Experience supporting systems deployed in time-sensitive or austere environments
Benefits
Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
Retirement plans with company contributions
Professional development opportunities and career growth support
Company
Chartis Federal
Chartis Federal is a systems engineering and integration firm that specializes in mission-critical communications.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Nick McCarter
Owner and Chief Executive Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase