Research Engineer (Engineer I) - UAS Hardware & Software

About the role

Systems Technology Inc. (STI) is a private, employee-owned company (ESOP) that provides engineering consulting and product development with a focus on safety. We are a small company that enjoys many of the perks of start-ups, but we have been in business for over sixty years and have an aggressive growth plan. Being part of STI means being a key contributor in the company while working with a team that spans the range of experience from recent graduates to 20+ year tenure. At STI, we look for business partners who want to be part of something special and contribute to a culture built on transparency, friendliness, innovation, ownership and accountability. If you are of a like mind and enthusiastic about solving challenging, real world, relevant problems, we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Executes specialized technical research and development activities in direct support of STI's UAS product lines.
• Sits at the intersection of hardware and software — helps design, build, integrate, and test the systems that make these platforms fly, sense, and think.
• Supports design, integration, and bring-up of UAS avionics hardware — flight controllers, autopilot boards, power distribution, sensor payloads (EO/IR, RADALT, GNSS/INS), and companion computers.
• Develops and maintains embedded and companion-computer software in C/C++ and Python for autopilot integration (e.g., ArduPilot, PX4), autonomy behaviors, sensor fusion, and payload control.
• Performs moderate to advanced design and analysis tasks in vehicle modeling, guidance, navigation and control (GNC), and flight test relevant to small UAS airframes, with an emphasis on developing and implementing innovative solutions.
• Supports design and implementation of MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++ based tools and displays for flight test, vehicle assessment, and autonomous operations.
• Supports hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) simulation setups to validate subsystems prior to flight test.
• Supports ground control station (GCS) integration and MAVLink-based command/telemetry links between vehicle and operator.
• Contributes to component selection, certification research, and supply-chain considerations (e.g., Blue UAS compliance) for UAS hardware.
• Performs research and analyses as directed by project leads; prepares portions of project documents.
• Meets all company timelines, processes, trainings, and initiatives.
• Maintains project files and appropriate records of work, compliant with company and aerospace industry standards, practices, and regulations.
• May assist with business development activities and customer interfacing, under supervision of project leads.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Strong skills in C/C++ and/or Python for embedded or autonomy software development.
• Hands-on experience with UAS hardware — flight controllers, sensors, payload integration, or custom PCB/wiring harness work.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, analysis, or controls a plus.
• Familiarity with autopilot firmware/ecosystems (ArduPilot, PX4) or MAVLink-based ground control software strongly preferred.
• Experience with stability and control system design/assessment and/or vehicle flight modeling and simulation.
• Experience in the aerospace industry required; direct UAS/UAM/sUAS hands-on build or flight-test experience a plus.

Qualifications

• Experience with EO/IR seekers, gimbal control, or counter-UAS systems.
• Experience assessing vehicle performance, flying, and handling qualities and related system performance.
• Familiarity with Blue UAS / DoD UAS component certification requirements.
• Experience with HIL/SIL test benches or flight-test instrumentation.

Skills

• Software Development (C/C++, Python)
• Embedded Systems Design
• Flight Control Systems
• Vehicle Modeling and Simulation
• Autonomy Behaviors
• System Integration
• Flight Test
• Ground Control Station Integration
• Component Certification
• Hardware-In-The-Loop (HIL) and Software-In-The-Loop (SIL) Setup

Benefits

Systems Technology Inc. offers all employees competitive pay along with a benefits package encompassing the following and more:

• Medical benefits (HMO – 100% company paid for Employees & Dependents)
• Dental and vision plans
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Retirement Plan and company defined contribution
• Flexible spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Reimbursement and Technology Stipends
• Tuition Assistance Programs
• Year-round company sponsored events
• Employee rewards and recognition

Pay

The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. STI is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.