Position Summary

The Senior UAS / C-UAS Product Development & Integration Engineer serves as a technical leader responsible for the research, development, integration, testing, and operational validation of next-generation small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) and counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities.

This role operates at the intersection of advanced engineering execution, rapid prototyping, and mission-driven system design—ensuring platforms and integrated technologies deliver reliable, scalable, and tactically relevant capabilities in contested and operationally realistic environments.

In addition to hands-on engineering responsibilities, this position provides leadership, mentorship, and oversight to a team of engineers, driving execution across multiple concurrent development and integration efforts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

UAS / C-UAS Capability Development:

• Lead the development and integration of advanced sUAS and C-UAS systems across multiple programs


• Translate operational requirements and mission needs into executable engineering solutions


• Evaluate, select, and integrate emerging technologies across autonomy, sensing, communications, and mission systems


• Provide technical direction across system architecture and subsystem integration

Engineering Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of engineers supporting product development, integration, and testing efforts


• Assign priorities, track execution, and ensure alignment with program objectives and timelines


• Provide technical oversight, design reviews, and engineering guidance across projects


• Support hiring, onboarding, and professional development of engineering personnel


• Coordinate cross-functional efforts across engineering, product, and operational teams

Product Requirements & Technical Documentation:

• Develop and oversee Product Requirements Documents (PRDs) and Initial Capabilities Documents (ICDs)


• Define system performance thresholds, operational use cases, and mission profiles


• Ensure traceability between requirements, design, and validation efforts


• Coordinate with internal teams, partners, and government stakeholders to validate requirements and system performance

Human-Machine Interface & System Integration:

• Lead Human-Machine Interface Framework (HMIF) development and integration across UAS and C-UAS systems


• Optimize operator workflows, usability, and mission effectiveness


• Ensure interoperability across hardware, software, and networked systems


• Guide integration of autonomy, control systems, and user interfaces

RDT&E, Experimentation, and Validation:

• Serve as senior technical lead for Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation (RDT&E) activities


• Oversee development and execution of system-level integration test plans


• Ensure proper instrumentation, data collection, and repeatable validation methodologies


• Lead analysis of test data to identify performance gaps, failure modes, and design improvements


• Direct rapid prototyping and iterative development cycles


• Lead execution of field testing, demonstrations, and government experimentation events

C-UAS Integration & Mission Systems:

• Lead integration of detection, tracking, identification, and mitigation capabilities into layered C-UAS architectures


• Ensure interoperability with external command-and-control (C2) systems, tactical networks, and joint force systems


• Support development of scalable, network-enabled counter-UAS solutions

Prototyping & Engineering Development:

• Lead rapid prototyping efforts to support capability development and system integration


• Utilize additive manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing, to design, fabricate, and iterate hardware components


• Develop and review mechanical designs using SolidWorks or similar CAD tools


• Drive iterative hardware refinement through testing, validation, and design improvements

Transition to Production:

• Lead transition of validated capabilities into production-ready baselines


• Coordinate with manufacturing, systems engineering, and supply chain teams


• Oversee integration of third-party technologies and partner systems


• Ensure solutions are scalable, supportable, and aligned with program objectives

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience)


• 10+ years of experience in UAS, C-UAS, product development, or integration engineering within defense, aerospace, or advanced technology sectors


• Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams and managing technical programs


• Strong background in system-level integration across hardware, software, communications, and payloads


• Experience with rapid prototyping, including 3D printing and CAD design (SolidWorks preferred)


• Proven experience supporting RDT&E, prototyping, and field testing efforts


• Strong technical writing, communication, and leadership skills


• Ability to manage multiple concurrent efforts in fast-paced environments


• Willingness to travel (25%)

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience operating in contested or GPS-denied environments


• Background in autonomy, AI/ML, or swarm-enabled systems


• Familiarity with C-UAS architectures and operational concepts


• Military or operational UAS experience


• Experience supporting government experimentation events and test ranges


• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks or similar CAD tools

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to operate in field and test environments for extended periods


• Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 25 lbs


• Willingness to support field testing, including off-hours or weekend operations

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

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Base pay, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.