Principal R&D Integrations Engineer

Company Overview

Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.
Principal R&D Integrations Engineer

PDW is seeking a Principal R&D Integrations Engineer to accelerate the investigation, qualification, and integration of emerging technologies into both current and next-generation product lines. This individual will own the R&D Integrations function, driving technology scouting, rapid prototyping, and system-level integration to expand the company's technical horizon. As a senior technical leader, this role will play a central part in shaping new capabilities, managing structured development programs, and positioning our products for market leadership in dynamic, cross-domain environments.

What You'll Do

• Investigate and identify emerging component technologies and architectures relevant to advanced electro-mechanical systems, including control electronics, propulsion, communication, sensing, and human interface domains.
• Qualify and evaluate new components, subsystems, and materials through structured testing, risk assessment, and cost-performance analysis.
• Integrate selected technologies into existing and new product architectures, ensuring system level compatibility, safety, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to validate designs, refine manufacturing processes, and optimize for performance and reliability.
• Lead structured programs creating schedules, defining budgets, tasking resources, and driving projects to completion with quantifiable outcomes.
• Coordinate across functional teams (Sales, Customer Success, Core Engineering, Supply Chain) to align technical direction with product strategy and market demand.
• Document and disseminate qualification protocols, test results, and integration standards to ensure repeatability and maintain institutional knowledge.
• Evaluate and integrate advanced systems such as PX4-based flight control stacks, AM-32 motor control systems, ATAK interoperability, mesh networking architectures, optical systems, and human factors-driven design elements.
• Serve as a technical mentor and advisor, helping to guide junior engineers and ensure the continuity of high engineering standards across programs.
  
  

Requirements

• Proven experience in R&D, systems integration, or advanced prototyping for electro-mechanical or aerospace products.
• Expertise in interpreting and generating technical drawings, schematics, and 3D models.
• Strong working knowledge of electro-mechanical systems, embedded controls, materials science, and manufacturing methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, troubleshoot, and optimize complex multi-domain systems.
• Effective communicator capable of drafting detailed technical documentation, presenting to leadership, and coordinating across diverse teams.
• Experience in creating and managing structured project plans, including schedules, budgets, and performance milestones.
• Independent, detail oriented, and quality driven; thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Strong interdisciplinary awareness across mechanical, electrical, software, and systems domains.

Preferred

• Experience with UAV systems, robotics platforms, or small drone development.
• Hands on familiarity with PX4 flight control, AM-32 ESC protocols, and related open-source hardware/software ecosystems.
• Knowledge of ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit) integration and mesh networking architectures for distributed systems.
• Experience working with optical systems, sensors, and imaging payloads.
• Awareness of human factors engineering and ergonomic considerations in system design.
• Background in rapid prototyping (including 3D printing and additive manufacturing).
• Experience with design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and supplier qualification processes.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 50 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard machine shop equipment as well as standard office equipment. Must be physically capable of tolerating loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE).

Work Environment
This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE) and may require occasional travel to test sites/customer locations/supplier facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

ITAR Requirement
In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Compensation and Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options
• On-site fitness center

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.