We are seeking a highly capable UAV Aerospace Engineer to lead the architectural design and system-level integration of advanced unmanned aerial vehicles. This role requires deep technical expertise in autonomous flight systems and close collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. Experience with High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) is strongly desired. The ideal candidate combines strong engineering fundamentals with leadership ability and a systems-thinking mindset. Salary Range : $150,000 annually to $170,000 annually Key Responsibilities

* Lead the architectural and system-level design of fixed-wing UAV platform * Define and integrate autonomous flight systems, including autopilot, navigation, and mission logic * Oversee aircraft performance, configuration, and trade studies (aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, power) * Collaborate closely with avionics, software, RF, operations, manufacturing, and test teams * Provide technical leadership to a small, high-performance engineering team * Support flight test planning, execution, and post-flight analysis * Interface with internal stakeholders and external partners as needed * Contribute to system documentation, requirements definition, and design reviews * Support field operations and customer engagements, including travel as required

Requirements Required Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field * Strong understanding of autonomous systems and control with 10+ years experience * Experience with autopilot architectures * Familiarity with Ground Control Stations (GCS) * Understanding of radio systems and RF operations * Experience with UAV system integration and flight operations * Experience with Matlab/Simulink and SolidWork * Ability to work effectively across multiple teams and disciplines * Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

* Master's degree or Ph.D. in Engineering or Physics * Experience with High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) or long-endurance UAVs * Background in aircraft conceptual or preliminary design * Experience leading or mentoring engineering teams * Familiarity with regulatory, safety, and operational constraints for UAVs

Travel Up to 20% travel anticipated for testing, integration, and coordination activities What we Offer

* Opportunity to work on cutting-edge UAV and HAPS platforms * High-impact technical leadership role with real system ownership * Collaborative, mission-driven engineering environment

Benefits

* 9/80 Schedule * Health Insurance * Vision Insurance - 100% covered for Employees * Dental Insurance - 100% covered for Employees * Life Insurance - 100% covered by Swift, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents. * 401k with company match * Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a holiday hiatus in December, and highly competitive PTO plans. * 16 weeks of paid Caregiver & Wellness Leave to care for a family member, bond with your baby, or tend to your own medical condition. * Family Planning & Parenting Support: Fertility (eg, IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carrier coverage with additional benefits and resources to provide support from planning to parenting.