UAS Integration & Prototyping Engineer

Terms:  Fulltime, on-site, with limited travel as required

About Chartis Federal

Chartis Federal is a premier systems engineering and integration firm specializing in mission-critical IT and communications solutions for law enforcement, homeland security, and defense. As a trusted prime contractor with over $160 million in task order awards, we operate across 22 states and support essential government missions worldwide.

Our commitment to excellence has fueled our year-over-year growth, earning us recognition twice as a Washington Technology FAST 50 company and securing a place on the Inc. 5000 list for five consecutive years. At Chartis Federal, our mission is clear: keeping heroes safe and connected—on the battlefield, on the border, and in our backyards.

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on UAS Integration & Prototyping Engineer to support active unmanned systems programs for government and national-level partners. This role exists to accelerate platform iteration and deployment, increase internal integration capacity, and improve the reliability and sustainment of unmanned systems deployed in operational environments. 

The role is on-site and execution-focused, emphasizing rapid iteration, additive manufacturing, system integration, and technical problem-solving for platforms deployed globally. This is intentionally a generalist role, requiring end-to-end ownership—designing, fabricating, integrating, testing, and sustaining unmanned systems—while operating in a small, trusted team environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

UAS Integration & Systems Engineering

• 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

Command, Control & Networking

• 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

Additive Manufacturing & Rapid Prototyping

• 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

Sustainment & Engineering Support

• 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

Partner & Field Support

• 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 

• 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 Qualifications

• 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

Why Join Chartis Federal?

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Retirement plans with company contributions
• Professional development opportunities and career growth support
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment where your contributions are valued

At Chartis Federal, we believe in fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and innovation while supporting critical national security missions. Join us in shaping the future of government contracting and national security solutions.

Chartis Federal is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employs qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other classification proscribed under applicable law. We participate in E-Verify.