Unmanned Systems (UxS) Technician

Company Overview

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Tampa, FL, OWT Global is a small business that offers reliable and operationally proven expertise and support to the U.S. Government, industry partners and commercial vendors.

OWT Global prides itself on offering exceptional, industry leading services and solutions in a cost-effective manner for Engineering Support, RDT&E, Technical Program and Project management, operations, logistics, maintenance, and training of Unmanned Systems (UxS), Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR), and Air Domain Awareness and Defense (ADAD) technologies.

OWT employs 96% veterans, selectively recruited from the Special Operations, Special Mission Unit, and Intelligence Communities with extensive experience tailored towards supporting counterterrorism operations and combatting emerging great power competition threats. With this unique foundation of U.S. military special operations, civilian intelligence agency veterans and manned and unmanned aircraft pilots and maintainers, OWT Global brings a blend of skills optimized for today’s dynamic operational needs.

The OWT Global model pairs technical acumen with operational application to help drive the development and deployment of technology in a sustainable and affordable way.

Job Summary:

OWT Global is seeking an experienced Unmanned Systems (UxS) Technician – Level II to support the hands-on design, fabrication, integration, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of unmanned systems and associated components. This position is intended for a technically capable professional who can translate computer aided design (CAD) concepts and digital models into functional, completed hardware builds and demonstrate a proven history of taking designs from the digital environment through fabrication, assembly, testing, and delivery.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong combination of CAD design expertise, hands-on fabrication and assembly experience, electronics knowledge, 3D printing/additive manufacturing experience, and practical UxS knowledge. Particular emphasis will be placed on candidates who possess professional CAD certifications and can demonstrate documented past performance delivering CAD-based designs, assemblies, prototypes, or models into completed physical builds.

The UxS Technician will work in a hands on shop and laboratory environment supporting the development and sustainment of unmanned systems. Responsibilities may span conceptual and detailed CAD modeling, design modifications, rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, electrical and mechanical assembly, component selection, system integration, troubleshooting, testing, repair, and documentation.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working across the boundary between digital engineering and physical hardware, using CAD and engineering tools to develop practical solutions and then personally participating in the fabrication, assembly, integration, and validation of those solutions.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and maintain detailed 2D drawings, 3D models, assemblies, and mechanical designs using CAD software in support of UxS development and integration activities.
• Translate engineering concepts, requirements, sketches, and existing designs into manufacturable CAD models, assemblies, drawings, and prototypes.
• Demonstrate proven experience taking a CAD based design or digital model from concept through fabrication, assembly, integration, testing, and completed delivery.
• Support the full design to build lifecycle, including concept development, CAD modeling, design review, prototyping, fabrication, assembly, testing, modification, and final integration.
• Create and modify mechanical components, enclosures, mounts, brackets, structural components, and other UxS hardware using appropriate CAD design practices.
• Produce accurate engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation, including dimensions, tolerances, material requirements, assembly details, and revision information as required.
• Utilize rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing techniques to develop functional prototypes and production ready components.
• Operate and support various 3D printing technologies, including FDM, SLS, SLA, and similar additive manufacturing processes.
• Select appropriate materials, hardware, fabrication methods, and manufacturing processes based on design requirements and intended system application.
• Troubleshoot common additive manufacturing issues, including print failures, dimensional inaccuracies, warping, adhesion issues, and other hardware or process-related problems.
• Perform primary and secondary servicing, maintenance, and troubleshooting of additive manufacturing equipment and associated hardware.
• Build, assemble, modify, repair, and integrate UxS components and subsystems using power tools, hand tools, electrical test equipment, and shop equipment.
• Support the fabrication and integration of electrical and mechanical assemblies associated with unmanned systems.
• Apply knowledge of analog and digital circuits, AC/DC electronics, electrical systems, sensors, wiring, connectors, and related components during system integration and troubleshooting.
• Select electronic components and sensors appropriate for specific UxS design and integration requirements.
• Use test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and other electrical/electronic diagnostic equipment to conduct testing and troubleshoot system issues.
• Support integration and troubleshooting of electronic propulsion and combustible power systems.
• Assemble, configure, test, and troubleshoot unmanned systems and associated subsystems.
• Apply working knowledge of BetaFlight, ArduPilot, PX4, and similar UxS flight control/autopilot environments to support configuration, integration, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Identify technical issues during assembly, integration, and testing and develop practical corrective actions.
• Support iterative engineering efforts by incorporating lessons learned from fabrication and testing back into CAD designs and subsequent builds.
• Maintain configuration control of CAD models, drawings, assemblies, prototypes, and related technical documentation.
• Coordinate with engineers, technicians, operators, and other technical personnel to ensure designs can be effectively fabricated, assembled, integrated, and maintained.
• Support rapid prototyping and engineering development activities in a fast paced RDT&E environment.
• Utilize computer-aided design and development tools to support low volume and rapid turn manufacturing requirements.
• Use software development and embedded development tools, including integrated development environments (IDEs), compilers, and hardware debuggers, as required to compile firmware and troubleshoot low-level hardware/software issues.
• Apply working knowledge of C, C++, and Python in support of UxS hardware, firmware, testing, and troubleshooting activities.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, test records, build documentation, and configuration information.
• Work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary engineering and technical team with minimal supervision.
• Follow established safety, quality, configuration management, and technical processes.
• Practice ISO 9001 principles and concepts.
• Work effectively in a shop environment that may include loud noises, industrial equipment, power tools, and other fabrication equipment.
• Lift and manipulate equipment or components weighing up to approximately 50 pounds as required.
• Travel may be required in support of customer requirements, testing, demonstrations, training, integration events, or other UxS activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

• Active Secret security clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or an applicable engineering/science field OR applicable technician level education and experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on professional experience with a relevant degree or 7 years of applicable professional experience without a degree.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.
• Demonstrated professional experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software and mechanical/electrical design practices.
• Demonstrated ability to take a CAD based design, drawing, or 3D model and successfully translate it into a completed physical build, including fabrication, assembly, integration, testing, and modification.
• Proven past performance delivering functional prototypes, assemblies, components, or complete systems based upon CAD designs.
• Strong knowledge of BetaFlight, ArduPilot, and PX4, preferably supported by approximately five (5) years of applicable experience.
• Approximately five (5) years of hands on experience building, modifying, integrating, or maintaining drones/UxS.
• Approximately five (5) years of knowledge and practical experience with electronic propulsion and combustible power systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency building, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing electrical and mechanical assemblies.
• Working knowledge of analog and digital circuits, AC/DC electronics, sensors, wiring, connectors, and related electrical systems.
• Demonstrated ability to use electrical and electronic test equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and similar equipment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of selecting electronic components, sensors, and related hardware for technical projects.
• Hands on proficiency with power and hand tools used for fabrication, assembly, modification, and repair.
• Hands on experience with CAD driven rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing.
• Experience with multiple 3D printing technologies, such as FDM, SLS, and SLA.
• Ability to troubleshoot common 3D printing and additive manufacturing errors and perform primary and secondary servicing as required.
• Familiarity with C, C++, and Python.
• Ability to utilize development tools, IDEs, compilers, and hardware debuggers to compile firmware and troubleshoot low level hardware issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary technical team.
• Ability to work effectively in a hands-on shop environment and safely operate applicable tools and equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to maintain the required government security clearance.

Preferred Skills And Education

• Professional CAD certification(s) from a recognized CAD software provider or equivalent industry certification.
• Autodesk Certified Professional, SOLIDWORKS certification, or comparable professional CAD certification is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated portfolio or professional work history showing CAD designs/models converted into completed, functional hardware builds.
• Experience designing components specifically for additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping.
• Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), tolerancing, material selection, and fabrication constraints.
• Experience developing mechanical assemblies and integrated electromechanical systems for UxS or other robotics platforms.
• Experience working with commercially available and/or custom UxS platforms.
• Experience with BetaFlight, ArduPilot, PX4, or other open-architecture autopilot systems.
• Experience integrating flight controllers, sensors, telemetry systems, propulsion systems, power systems, and other UxS components.
• Experience with embedded systems and firmware development.
• Experience using C, C++, and Python for technical development or hardware/software integration.
• Experience with CNC machining, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, sheet-metal fabrication, composite fabrication, or other advanced manufacturing processes.
• Experience developing prototypes in a rapid RDT&E environment.
• Experience performing hands on design reviews, engineering modifications, system integration, and functional testing.
• Experience working in DoD, defense, aerospace, robotics, UxS, or other mission-critical technology environments.
• Prior military service or experience supporting U.S. Government customers.
• Strong technical documentation and configuration-management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to independently identify a technical problem, develop a solution, fabricate or implement the solution, and validate the resulting system.
• Familiarity with customer expectations, technical standards, best practices, and high customer satisfaction principles.

Benefits

• Health, Dental and Vision
• Short Term/Long Term Disability/Life Insurance/Workers Compensation
• Traditional and Roth 401k plan options
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay

Department: UxS

Primary Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Job Type: On-Site Operations/Hourly

Job Level: Individual Contributor