Unmanned Systems (UxS) Technician

About the role

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.

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.