Senior Systems Engineer & Technical Project Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly versatile Senior Systems Engineer & Technical Project Manager to join our Group. In this role, you will bridge the gap between advanced R&D, system-level integration, and field validation for next-generation unmanned platforms.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer with a systems-level mindset who can seamlessly transition from writing code and integrating hardware to leading complex flight test campaigns.

As a dual-hatted technical lead and project manager, you will drive capability evaluations, translate field data into actionable engineering requirements, and interface with critical stakeholders across commercial and defense sectors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• System Integration & Prototyping: Lead end-to-end hardware and software integration for novel UAS platforms, managing bring-up, compatibility validation, and rapid prototyping of complex payloads (e.g., thermal sensors, custom dispensers).
• Flight Testing & Operations: Design, plan, and execute rigorous ground and flight test campaigns. Develop test cards, manage flight execution, and oversee post-test telemetry and log analysis to validate system stability and perception.
• Technical Project Management: Act as the primary technical PM to track system requirements, collect test artifacts, and turn field issues into documented engineering fixes.
• Stakeholder & Capability Analysis: Build data pipelines and analysis frameworks to evaluate UAS flight control, C2 integration, and operational deployment metrics for strategic stakeholders (including DoD and enterprise partners).
• Automation & Simulation: Develop automated test suites, analysis dashboards, and pre-flight simulation environments to reduce operational risk and accelerate validation cycles.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical discipline.
• Deep expertise in open-source flight stacks (PX4, ArduPilot), communication protocols (MAVLink), and middleware (ROS2). Familiarity with QGroundControl, DroneTag, or similar tools.
• Strong proficiency in Python and C/C++ for system-level integration. Experience with CAD software (Fusion360) and computer vision libraries (OpenCV).
• Proven track record of logging extensive flight hours, managing FAA-compliant field operations, and leading hands-on system verification programs.
• Ability to synthesize complex flight logs, telemetry data, and orthomosaic imagery into actionable performance data.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Defense & C-UAS Experience: Previous involvement in C-UAS test campaigns, capability evaluation, or requirements analysis for defense/DoD applications.
• Quality Assurance Background: Experience working in a QA or Validation Engineering capacity within an aerospace or drone manufacturing environment.
• Data Science Capabilities: Experience utilizing Python-based data science techniques to support capability evaluation and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Business Acumen: A secondary degree, minor, or proven experience in business, finance, or general operations to support strategic project management and resource allocation.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
• Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
• Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed
• Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

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