As you grow in the role, you may take ownership of mission planning, checklist development, customer and range coordination, training, and routine deployments. This is not primarily a pilot role; success requires technical ownership, disciplined execution, sound field judgment, and the ability to translate operational experience into better products and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
Configure, inspect, test, and operate autonomous vehicles and supporting equipment in accordance with approved procedures and checklists
Conduct checkouts, and preflight activities for aircraft and ground systems
Verify mission packouts and maintain accountability for tools, equipment, spares, and support systems
Perform routine equipment maintenance and field-level troubleshooting
Identify, document, and escalate technical issues to the appropriate engineering teams
Support mission planning, test preparation, and execution for flight tests and customer demonstrations
Contribute to vehicle checklists, procedures, and continuous process improvements
Provide clear, actionable feedback to engineering teams based on test and field experience
Participate in multi-day field deployments, flight tests, and demonstrations
Support the integration and troubleshooting of avionics, communications systems, sensors, companion computers, and flight-control systems
Maintain accurate operational records and help ensure vehicles and support equipment remain deployment-ready
Work effectively across engineering, flight test, manufacturing, logistics, and program teams
Depending on experience and seniority, additional responsibilities may include:
Lead mission planning and routine field deployments
Lead checklist development and configuration-control efforts
Coordinate directly with military ranges, customers, and government sponsors
Serve as an avionics or vehicle-operations subject-matter expert
Support initial flights and fielding of new vehicle configurations
Define deployment packouts and equipment requirements
Develop or contribute to operator training manuals
Train and mentor new Forward Deployed Autonomous Systems Engineers
Own assigned portions of flight-readiness reviews
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in robotics, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or another relevant STEM discipline; or equivalent hands-on technical experience
Fundamental understanding of unmanned aircraft systems, robotics, or other integrated electromechanical systems
Familiarity with flight-control concepts and common autopilot ecosystems such as PX4 or ArduPilot
Experience using a ground-control application such as QGroundControl or Mission Planner
Basic Linux command-line proficiency
Basic networking and radio-frequency fundamentals
Ability to perform basic electrical troubleshooting and soldering
Familiarity with Git or another version-control system
Ability to interpret, execute, and help improve technical checklists and procedures
Strong attention to detail, personal accountability, and sound technical judgment
Ability to communicate technical problems clearly and collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams
Ability to travel frequently and support multi-day deployments in field conditions
Ability to obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Ability to meet any security, export-control, or customer-access requirements associated with the role
Preferred Qualifications
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Experience operating, integrating, or maintaining unmanned aircraft or robotic systems
Experience supporting Department of Defense tests, demonstrations, or operational deployments
Experience with international demonstrations or field deployments
Proficiency in Python, C++, Rust, Bash, or another applicable programming or scripting language
Experience analyzing system logs and performing structured root-cause analysis
Experience troubleshooting radio-frequency systems or integrating MIMO, mesh, or other tactical communications systems
Experience integrating sensors, avionics, companion computers, or embedded systems
Familiarity with Arduino or similar embedded development platforms
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, or iron-bird test environments
Experience with high-speed cameras or other specialized test instrumentation
Experience supporting the first flight of a new aircraft or vehicle configuration
Understanding of subsystem interactions across avionics, communications, flight controls, payloads, and ground systems
Experience preparing or presenting material for flight-readiness reviews
Experience developing checklists, training materials, mission plans, or deployment packouts
Experience coordinating directly with military ranges, government customers, or program sponsors
Additional Requirements
Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Engineer
$105,000—$140,000 USD
Senior Engineer
$140,000—$180,000 USD
At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.
Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy
Competitive Salaries: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
Performance-Based Incentives: Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
Equity Participation: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
Benefit Packages: Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well-being extends beyond the office.
Professional Development: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
Transparency: We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.
By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long-term success.
- Data Privacy
- To view Mach Industries candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://machindustries.com/privacy-policy.
Disclosures
This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.
Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.
Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!
