Lead UAV / UAS Development Engineer

Job Description

Lead UAV / UAS Development Engineer

Location: Fort Worth, TX

Employment Type: Full-time, On-site (9/80 schedule – every other Friday off)

Compensation: $150K–$200K base + performance bonus

Clearance Requirement: Must be a U.S. Citizen (due to government contracts); eligible for SECRET clearance

Travel: Minimal

Relocation Assistance: Available

About the Role

Join a cutting-edge aerospace organization known for innovating VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) technologies. This role focuses on the hands-on design, development, and testing of a next-generation VTOL Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) intended for U.S. government use, with future commercial applications in the 300–600 lb TOGW class.

Key Responsibilities

Contribute to the design, assembly, and testing of VTOL unmanned aircraft systems

Support the development of mission systems, payload integration, and ground station interfaces

Work on the implementation of AI-based mission autonomy features within UAS platforms

Participate in the integration and evaluation of hardware and software components

Support system documentation and technical briefing materials

Collaborate with internal technical teams and external suppliers on subsystem integration

Required Qualifications

Strong technical background in VTOL and/or unmanned aircraft systems

Experience with aircraft systems design, integration, and flight test environments

Familiarity with UAS mission systems, avionics, autonomy, and supporting technologies

Excellent problem-solving and technical communication skills

U.S. Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications

Hands-on experience with Group 2/3 UAS flight testing or prototyping

Exposure to AI-based autonomy or mission planning software

Understanding of low-cost, scalable, and sustainable aerospace design practices

Advanced degree in engineering or related technical field

Active or eligible for SECRET clearanceCompany Description

Who We Are

GTN is the leader in technical staffing, leveraging innovation to drive next-generation recruiting to Fortune 2000 companies.

What We Do

We provide Scalable Technical Staffing solutions encompassing SOW, staff augmentation, and direct hire placement for Fortune 2000 companies, with niche service offerings in Cyber Security, Digital, Field Services, and Professional Services. Our recruiting teams are specialized, certified, and have endured rigorous technical boot camps and ongoing required educational courses and meetups.

What Proof We Have

We have experience in scalable IT Staffing since the year 2000. Our IT experts have helped Fortune 2000 corporations embrace the cybersecurity and digital space, with many of our experts remaining on contract with clients for 8+ years. Our staffing experts have been engaged to speak at cybersecurity conferences, and our teams are certified and specialize in divisions focused around cyber, digital, field, and professional services.

Why People Want It

Our value

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