UAS Software Engineer

Job Description Summary
Organization Summary Statement:

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Research and Operations Center (UROC), Department of Aerospace, A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park is seeking a UAS Software Engineer, reporting to the Operations Director and coordinating all activities with the Lead Project Engineer. The incumbent is responsible for performing software integration to assist with building and development of UAS platforms and integration of hardware or software elements with existing UAS platforms. The incumbent is also responsible for developing new software to enable advanced autonomy functionality onboard UAS to assist with field research efforts and other support areas assigned in support of UROC requirements. Additionally, this position serves as a Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) and Visual Observer (VO) for UAS operations in the lab and field as required.

As a UAS Software Engineer within the UROC, you will:

• Support research efforts of UMD and other faculty; public agencies; and private individuals and organizations.

• Assist with the design, building and modification, testing, maintenance, and use of small UAS by developing software and performing software integration.

• Become FAA certified (if not already) and serve as a UAS Remote Pilot and Visual Observer.

• Work with Student teams preparing for UAS and other robotics competitions; participate in STEM and other outreach in the community; and support efforts to integrate UAS into the National Airspace System.

The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland serves as the catalyst for high-quality research, innovation, and learning, preparing our students to create innovations that will address the 21st century Grand challenges (e.g., energy, environment, security, and human health) and improve the human condition. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, accelerating entrepreneurship, and transforming research and learning activities into innovations that benefit millions.

Physical Demands:

• Work is performed primarily in an aircraft hangar and outdoor environment.

• Work locations are sometimes exposed to extreme weather conditions (hot/cold).

• Occasional test activities will be held at outdoor sites with long distances over uneven and/or wooded terrain and aboard vessels at sea.

• Physical demands associated with this position include extensive walking, lifting and carrying heavy materials (up to 55 lbs), two-person lifts of up to 100 lbs, bending over to set up equipment and record field data, lifting and carrying shipping crates for test equipment, maneuvering cargo dollies.

- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

Preferences:

• The position requires a BS in Computer Science, Engineering, or another relevant technical field from an ABET-accredited institution, or equivalent experience via certification programs or other sources.

Software Required Experience:

• Be proficient in Python and C

• Be willing to learn new coding languages

• Have experience visualizing experimental data

• Effectively communicate at a high and low technical level

• Enforce good coding practices, version control, and documentation

Software Preferred Experience:

• Robot control software (ie ROS2)

• Simulation environments (ie Gazebo)

• Open source autopilot software (ie PX4, ardupilot)

• Embedded systems (ie RPi, Nvidia Jetson)

• Field/practical testing experience

• Aerial autonomy

Other Preferred Experience

• Design/Build/Fly experience with small UAS and/or other robots

• Prior background in aviation, for example, hardware lab/bench testing (Civilian or Military); or

• remote control (RC) aircraft experience; avionics experience.

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification

• FAA Pilot Certification (crewed aviation)

Licenses/ Certifications:
N/A

Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Three (3) years of hands-on experience with UAS CAD, 3-D printed component design experience, UAS integration experience, or Remote Control (RC) aircraft or UAS flight experience.

Certification: Part 107 UAS Pilot Certificate.

Knowledge of CAD and 3-D printed technology.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials:

Cover letter, Resume, and 3 professional references

Best Consideration Date: 4/18/2025

Open Until Filled: yes

Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required
No

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department
ENGR-Aerospace UAS Test Site

Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular

Salary Range
$80K to $100K

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO/AA Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer; all qualified applicants, including veterans and people with disabilities, will receive consideration for employment. UMD is actively engaged in recruiting, hiring, and promoting underrepresented communities. Please read the entire University of Maryland Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement of Policy.

Women, Minorities, Disabled, Veterans, and LGBTQ+ Welcome.

Diversity Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

The University of Maryland (UMD) does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs and activities. Specifically, Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in UMD programs and activities, including with respect to admission and employment.

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