About

• About Epirus
• Epirus is a high-growth technology company dedicated to overcoming the asymmetric challenges inherent to the future of national security. Epirus' flagship product, Leonidas, is a software-defined system built using intelligent power management techniques which allow power-hungry systems to do more with less.
• Job Summary: We are seeking a capable and motivated Associate Drone Engineer to join our Field Operations and Sustainment team. This role is ideal for a UAS professional with strong technical proficiency and real-world flight operations experience. You will support the full life cycle of drone systems—from bench integration and lab validation to flight testing and data analysis—with a direct focus on building capabilities that integrate with Epirus' Counter-UAS High-Power Microwave (HPM) systems.
• In addition to core engineering responsibilities, this role could include travel supporting field operations as a Field Service Representative (FSR). These deployments involve hands-on system setup, integration, and sustainment of both drone systems and the Leonidas HPM platform in support of operational demonstrations, government test events, and data-gathering missions.

Responsibilities

• Configure, integrate, and sustain various UAS platforms including FPV drones, DJI/Autel commercial systems, and Blue UAS-compliant aircraft.
• Conduct subsystem testing to identify vulnerabilities and performance characteristics when exposed to directed energy.
• Support drone system design, payload integration, and rapid prototyping efforts for emerging mission needs.
• Load firmware (ArduPilot, PX4) and assist in sensor calibration and support integration of flight controllers (e.g., Pixhawk, Cube, Matek), GPS/IMU modules, and related open-source stacks.
• Collaborate with RF, software, and systems engineers to integrate drones into a broader sensor-fusion and defeat architecture.
• Collect and analyze data related to acoustic, RF, and electromagnetic characteristics of target drones to support weapon system optimization.
• Pilot drones in both manual (FPV) and autonomous flight modes during internal tests, external demos, and field exercises.
• Document system configurations, flight logs, integration procedures, and test results.
• Contribute to the creation and refinement of a UAS threat characterization database supporting AI-enabled C2 and targeting tools.
• As required, deploy and support Epirus’ Leonidas HPM and UAS platforms in field operations, managing system integration, readiness, and sustainment for live fire exercises, demonstrations, and government tests, while professionally representing the company in high-visibility engagements.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Previous experience in UAS operations, flight testing, or engineering integration roles preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to pilot FPV drones and conduct autonomous flight operations.
• Experience with ArduPilot, PX4, and related autopilot stacks.
• Strong familiarity with RF links, GPS/telemetry systems, and UAS command and control architectures.
• Experience performing diagnostics, system-level troubleshooting, and component replacement in the field.
• Ability to travel up to 50%, including short-notice deployments to military ranges or operational sites.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Experience working in field test environments and/or supporting government-sponsored demonstrations.
• Familiarity with counter-UAS technologies, radar integration, or C2 systems (e.g., FAAD C2, SHORAD, or JADC2 ecosystems).
• Prior exposure to RF-directed energy systems or HPM effects on electronics.
• Ability to work independently in high-tempo, dynamic environments with minimal oversight.
• Physical and Travel Requirements
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, and conduct physical tasks in both indoor labs and field conditions.
• Willingness to relocate to Southern California.
• Up to 50% travel required, including multi-week domestic and international deployments with little to no notice.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
• At Epirus, you’ll work with technical peers and great people—and get first crack at some of the defining technology challenges of our time. Here, “impossible” is just a challenge. We're a diverse, fast-growing team of change-makers fueling the future of energy with revolutionary solutions. Join us and rewrite the rules.
• As required by the Equal Pay Transparency Act, Epirus provides a reasonable range of minimum compensation for roles that may be hired. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific office location.

For the state of California only, the range of starting pay for this role is

• $85,200—$123,000 USD