Machine Learning Systems Engineer (UAS) - 1685

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise with more than 35 years of proven innovation. We create new and emerging technology solutions in support of Commercial & Government organizations, with expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics, and Threat Warning Systems. As an Employee-Owned company, every team member has a personal stake in the success of our mission, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation. At SARA, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented engineers, physicists, and technicians while making a direct impact on programs that matter.

The SARA High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative Machine Learning Systems Engineer (UAS) to support research and development activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on both long-standing programs and new initiatives, contributing in a multidisciplinary environment from concept through operation.

We are seeking a highly skilled engineer to spearhead the development of unmanned navigation and control technologies, with emphasis on flight controller integration, autonomous navigation, and AI-driven edge processing. This role involves developing and configuring flight control systems, integrating sensors, optimizing embedded software, and deploying AI models on embedded platforms. The ideal candidate will collaborate across hardware, software, and AI teams to advance the boundaries of autonomous aerial systems.

Core Responsibilities:

• Assist with configuring and integrating flight controllers running PX4 or ArduPilot, including Cube-based hardware, with various UAV platforms
• Support firmware flashing, flight controller parameter configuration, PID tuning, motor mapping, ESC calibration, and sensor integration and calibration under the guidance of experienced engineers
• Develop, modify, and test software using C++ and/or Python to support flight control, sensor processing, and communication with Jetson-based AI/vision systems
• Assist with integrating ROS and MAVLink interfaces for communication between flight controllers, companion computers, and ground control systems
• Support computer vision and AI-based perception activities, including object tracking and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), using tools such as OpenCV, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and DeepStream
• Assist with deploying and evaluating AI models on NVIDIA Jetson platforms, learning techniques for efficient real-time inference
• Support networking, telemetry, and video streaming integration for UAV command, control, and monitoring
• Participate in laboratory, simulation, and field testing, including test setup, data collection, troubleshooting, and documentation, following established safety procedures
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and AI team members to resolve integration issues and document technical results

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 0–2 years of relevant experience in UAS, robotics, embedded software, controls, or related engineering activities; relevant internships, academic projects, research, and personal projects will be considered
• Foundational programming skills in C++ and/or Python
• Basic understanding of control systems, sensors, and embedded computing through coursework or practical experience
• Familiarity with one or more relevant technologies, such as PX4, ArduPilot, MAVLink, ROS, or UAV flight controllers
• Ability to troubleshoot technical problems, follow test procedures, and clearly document results
• Interest in autonomous navigation, computer vision, and AI processing on embedded platforms
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team, communicate technical information, and learn new tools and technologies
• U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
• May require moderate physical effort, including standing, sitting, use of hands while performing duties, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years of relevant hands-on experience with flight controller integration, UAV software or hardware development, robotics, or embedded systems
• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• Hands-on experience through internships, capstone projects, research, robotics competitions, or personal UAV projects
• Familiarity with Linux, particularly Ubuntu
• Experience configuring PX4 or ArduPilot, using MAVLink or ROS, or working with QGroundControl or Mission Planner
• Exposure to PID tuning, sensor calibration, autonomous navigation, or navigation in GPS-denied environments
• Familiarity with NVIDIA Jetson platforms, OpenCV, TensorFlow, PyTorch, DeepStream, and/or CUDA
• Exposure to real-time embedded systems, wireless communications, telemetry, or video streaming
• Familiarity with UAV test and validation procedures and hardware debugging tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or protocol analyzers
• Active DoD security clearance, preferably Top Secret

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Discretionary Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $80,000 to $110,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: November 10, 2026

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.