Full-Time
UAS Design Engineer
Posted on 5/7/2026
By Light Professional IT Services
501-1,000 employees
IT services, cloud, cybersecurity, systems engineering
No salary listed
Port Orange, FL, USA
In Person
On-site in Port Orange, FL; willing to travel as required to support program objectives.
 Hardware Engineering (2) |
|---|
| , |
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline. Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in aerospace or defense engineering, including UAS design and development.
- Demonstrated expertise in the design, prototyping, integration, and testing of Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms, including knowledge of applicable Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration categorization and requirements.
- Proven experience applying Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) methodologies to optimize product designs for efficient manufacturing and assembly.
- Proven ability to develop and refine engineering concepts and solutions utilizing Autodesk Inventor and/or SolidWorks for advanced 3D modeling.
- In-depth knowledge and expertise in all aspects of UAS systems software: drone platform operating systems, component firmware, base station software, TAK software. Ability to load, configure and test software as required on drones and drone system components. Ability to identify and relate technical software requirements to within internal and external software developers.
- Software experience with UAS control and integration software including EdgeTX, MAVLink, ArduPilot, TAK APIs, Betaflight, etc.
- Demonstrated expertise in systems engineering principles, product lifecycle management, and multidisciplinary team leadership.
- Strong ability to rapidly design, prototype, and iterate new solutions in response to dynamic customer requirements.
- Deep knowledge of relevant regulations and standards (e.g., FAA Part 107, MIL-STD-810, DO-178C, DO-254).
- Flexibility and agility to adjust schedules to meet rapidly evolving customer requirements.
- Lead and manage an in-house rapid prototyping facility (i.e. “maker shop”) and staff.
- Proven track record in delivering complex aerospace or UAS projects on time and within budget.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative team environment.
- Willingness to travel as required to support program objectives or customer engagements.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance as required by contract or program needs.
- Onsite in Port Orange, Florida.
- Technical Leadership: Direct and oversee the UAS design engineering team, ensuring technical excellence and innovation, with a focus on Group 1 and Group 2 UAS platforms.
- Requirements Analysis: Analyze, interpret, and decompose customer and stakeholder requirements into actionable engineering specifications, particularly for Group 1 and 2 unmanned aerial systems.
- Rapid Design & Prototyping: Quickly design, prototype, and iterate new UAS solutions based on evolving customer requirements and timelines, with demonstrated expertise in Group 1 and 2 UAS development.
- 3D Concept Development: Utilize Autodesk Inventor and/or SolidWorks for advanced 3D modeling to develop, iterate, and refine UAS concepts, assemblies, and components from initial concept through final design.
- DFM/DFA Integration: Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) methodologies to ensure optimized production and assembly processes, reducing cost and complexity while improving quality and reliability.
- Systems Architecture: Lead the development and validation of UAS architectures, subsystems, and interfaces.
- Integration & Testing: Oversee system integration, test planning, execution, and design verification/validation efforts for Group 1 and 2 UAS.
- Risk Management: Identify technical risks; develop and implement mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle.
- Compliance & Standards: Ensure all designs adhere to relevant regulatory, military, and industry standards (e.g., FAA, DoD, MIL-STD), specifically as they apply to Group 1 and 2 UAS categories.
- Documentation: Prepare and review technical documentation, design artifacts, and compliance reports for stakeholders.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as primary technical liaison with program management, customers, and suppliers.
- Team Development: Mentor, train, and support the continuous development of engineering staff.
- Master’s degree in engineering or related field.
- Demonstrated experience with rapid prototyping resources and processes focused on Group 1 and 2 UAVs.
- Ability to write code, firmware as required.
- FAA Part 107 Certification
By Light Professional IT Services provides hardware and software engineering services across IT, cloud, cybersecurity, and modeling and simulation for government and commercial clients. It offers end-to-end systems engineering and network design, implementation, and ongoing management for both classified and unclassified government networks. It differentiates itself by delivering integrated, full-lifecycle solutions tailored to government contracting and by expanding capabilities through strategic acquisitions. Its goal is to deliver complete, secure network solutions while growing its market reach in both public and private sectors.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
McLean, Virginia
Founded
2002
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Alliant 3 GWAC award enables unlimited IT services scaling through 2036.
- Jeffrey R. Jones leads cyber division with 30 years DoD experience.
- USF partnership accelerates trusted AI for national security applications.
What critics are saying
- Team CATALYST loses NATO NexGen M&S to Airbus or BAE Systems within 12 months.
- Orqa U.S. fails CMMC audits, halting drone production in 18 months.
- Sagewind sells By Light to Leidos, causing talent exodus in 24 months.
What makes By Light Professional IT Services unique
- By Light leads Team CATALYST for NATO's NexGen M&S program with seven NATO partners.
- Orqa U.S. leverages By Light's Port Orange facility for compliant UAS production by October 2026.
- Dignitas acquisition adds F-35 and multi-echelon simulation for DoD cyber training.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Your Connections
People at By Light Professional IT Services who can refer or advise you
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Wellness Program
401(k) Company Match
Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
Professional Development Budget
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Bereavement Leave
Generous Leave Policy
Company News
USF and By Light formalize partnership to advance trusted AI for national security. by Tina Meketa, USF Communications and Marketing By Light is proud to announce a formal partnership with the University of South Florida (USF) to accelerate the development of trusted, mission-ready AI solutions in support of national defense. With By Light's decades of experience delivering critical technologies across the Department of War (DoW) and USF's research leadership in AI assurance, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems, this collaboration brings together two organizations deeply committed to advancing innovations that strengthen operational readiness. USF's DoW experience and proximity to MacDill AFB, combined with By Light's advanced simulation and AI capabilities, create a powerful foundation for developing safer, more reliable systems for the Warfighters who depend on them. Bylight look forward to the impact this partnership will deliver for the defense community and beyond. Read all about its partnership on the USF website.
By Light awarded Alliant 3 GWAC. By Light continues its decades of Federal support with new five-year base period with a five-year option unlimited GWAC award McLean, VA - March 24, 2026 - By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light) was awarded a five-year base period with a five-year option prime contract to deliver information technology services-based solutions on the General Services Administration's (GSA) Alliant 3 Unrestricted Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC). The Alliant 3 contract offers a streamlined, standardized acquisition pathway to a broad range of advanced IT services, including cloud computing, cybersecurity, data management, software development, systems engineering, and emerging technologies. Building on the remarkable success of Alliant 2, Alliant 3 is an unrestricted GWAC with no maximum dollar ceiling, making it the government's strongest vehicle for purchasing critical technology services at scale. "Being selected for Alliant 3 is a testament to By Light's long-standing commitment and trusted ability to deliver innovative, reliable, and secure technology solutions that enable the federal government to achieve mission success," said By Light founder and CEO Bob Donahue. "This contract award strengthens our ability to support our customers with the advanced technologies and engineering expertise on which they depend." By Light Chief Revenue Officer Mike Hatcher added, "We are extremely proud of our enduring partnership with the General Services Administration and look forward to delivering exceptional results to clients over the next decade." About By Light By Light Professional IT Services LLC, headquartered in McLean, VA, is a leading provider of advanced technology solutions delivering cyber and warfighter training platforms for Defense and National Security missions. The company's two divisions, Cyber and Modeling, Simulation & Training, provide advanced cyber mission environments, synthetic training systems, and AI-enabled live training to prepare forces for modern conflict. By Light combines mission expertise with cutting-edge commercial technologies to enable defense organizations to predict, prepare, and prevail with greater speed, realism, and operational advantage. For the latest information on By Light's portfolio of products, solutions, and commercial capabilities, visit www.bylight.com.
By Light Professional IT Services, a provider of advanced technology solutions for defence and national security missions, has appointed Diane Hockenberry as chief marketing officer. She will oversee enterprise marketing, brand strategy and product commercialisation across the company's cyber and modelling, simulation and training divisions. Hockenberry brings over 25 years of experience in marketing, communications and branding across technology, aerospace and defence organisations. Most recently, she served as senior director of strategic communications and marketing at Trident, a private equity-backed defence technology portfolio. The McLean, Virginia-based company is backed by Sagewind Capital and focuses on delivering cyber mission environments, synthetic training systems and AI-enabled live training platforms for the Department of Defense.
By Light names seasoned DoD cyber leader Jeffrey R. Jones EVP to lead its enterprise cyber division. Mar 3, 2026 (MCLEAN, Va.) - NEWS: By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light) today announced the appointment of Jeffrey R. Jones as Executive Vice President, Cyber, advancing By Light's mission to deliver an integrated cyber readiness platform across the Department of Defense, federal agencies, and allied partners. In his new role, Jeff will oversee and synchronize By Light's cyber initiatives, driving strategy and execution to strengthen mission-critical operations. With decades of experience in the DoD, in uniform and as a civilian leader, Jones brings unparalleled expertise in cyberspace operations, network defense, intelligence, and secure communications. Jeff is a retired Senior Executive from the DoD with nearly 30 years of leadership in cybersecurity, data, and digital transformation. He served as Deputy to the Commanding General of U.S. Army Cyber Command, Vice Director of the Joint Staff J6, and Executive Director of JFHQ-DODIN, leading global cyber defense and modernization efforts. He holds master's degrees from the U.S. Army War College and James Madison University and is also a retired Army Reserve Military Intelligence Officer. "I've spent my career operating at the intersection of cyber, intelligence, and national security, and By Light is where those capabilities come together at real scale," said Jeff. "The opportunity here is to unify cyber training, operations, and infrastructure into an integrated platform that accelerates readiness and protects mission execution. That's a unique position in this market, and I'm excited to build it with this team." "Jeff's deep operational experience and strategic vision will be pivotal as we expand and elevate our cybersecurity and training capabilities to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving threat environment," said Bob Donahue, CEO of By Light. "Under his leadership, we will scale advanced capabilities, drive transformative innovation, and cement By Light's position as the defense industry's most complete cyber partner." ABOUT BY LIGHT By Light, headquartered in McLean, VA, is a leading supplier of products and services to Defense, National Security and Global Markets in the areas of Modeling & Simulation and Cyber. The Company delivers the Army's Synthetic Training Environment (STE), Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer (RVCT) along with High Fidelity Flight Trainers for the UH-60, CH47, CH-53, CV-22 and many others. For the latest on By Light's portfolio of Products and Solutions, visit https://bylight.com/. This version of news story was published on and is Copr. (C) eNewsChannels(TM)(eNewsChannels.com) - part of the Neotrope(R) News Network, USA - all rights reserved. Information is believed accurate but is not guaranteed. For questions about the above news, contact the company/org/person noted in the text and NOT this website. Published image may be sourced from third party newswire service and not created by eNewsChannels.com.
By Light Professional IT Services has appointed Jeffrey R. Jones as Executive Vice President, Cyber, to lead its enterprise cyber division serving the Department of Defense, federal agencies and allied partners. Jones brings nearly 30 years of DoD cybersecurity leadership experience. He previously served as Deputy to the Commanding General of U.S. Army Cyber Command, Vice Director of the Joint Staff J6, and Executive Director of JFHQ-DODIN. He is a retired Senior Executive from the DoD and former Army Reserve Military Intelligence Officer. In his new role, Jones will oversee By Light's cyber initiatives and drive strategy to strengthen mission-critical operations. The McLean, Virginia-based company delivers cyber readiness platforms, including the Army's Synthetic Training Environment and various training systems.