UAS Engine SME

Required Skills & Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

• 5+ years of propulsion, mechanical systems, or engine engineering experience
• • Experience supporting development, integration, testing, production, or sustainment efforts
• • Ability to review technical documentation, engineering data, test reports, and performance analyses
• Experience with small piston engines
• UAV/UAS engines
• General aviation engines
• Powersports engines (Rotax, Polaris, BRP, etc.)
• Small diesel or heavy-fuel engines
• Active Secret Clearance

Nice to Have Skills & Experience

• Direct UAS propulsion experience
• Experience supporting engine ground testing or flight testing
• Airworthiness or flight certification experience
• Reliability, maintainability, or sustainment engineering experience
• Familiarity with fuel systems, cooling systems, controls, and propulsion integration
• Top Secret Clearance
• Prior experience supporting Air Force, Army, AFRL, or UAS-related programs

Job Description

One of our customers is seeking a UAS Engine SME to sit in Dayton OH. This individual will serve as the propulsion technical advisor for an Air Force UAS program office. Roughly 60-70% of the role will consist of technical reviews, contractor coordination, engineering assessments, and supporting program managers on propulsion-related decisions. They will evaluate engine designs, review performance data, track technical issues, participate in design reviews, and assess how propulsion systems integrate within the broader air vehicle. Approximately 15-20% of the role involves supporting engine testing activities, including test planning, observing test events, reviewing data, documenting anomalies, and assessing reliability concerns. The remainder of the role will include meetings with government stakeholders, engineering teams, vendors, and travel to government and contractor facilities supporting development and testing efforts.