UAS Conceptual Design Engineer

SNC is seeking a highly skilled and innovative UAS Conceptual Design Engineer to join our dynamic engineering team. This role will play a crucial role in the early stages of UAS development, responsible for creating and refining initial design concepts that meet specified performance, cost, and regulatory requirements. This role requires a strong foundation in aerospace engineering principles, creativity, and the ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

Responsibilities:

• Develop innovative and feasible conceptual designs for UAS platforms

• Conduct feasibility studies and trade-off analyses to evaluate various design options.

• Perform preliminary aerodynamic, structural, and propulsion system analyses.

• Utilize Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) tools and techniques to optimize UAS designs across multiple disciplines.

• Generate 3D models and detailed design documentation using CAD software.

• Collaborate with other engineering teams, including avionics, propulsion, and systems engineering, to ensure integrated design solutions.

• Interface with customers and stakeholders to understand requirements and incorporate feedback into design iterations.

• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends to incorporate the latest advancements into conceptual designs.

• Participate in design reviews and provide technical expertise to support project milestones.

• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate design concepts and progress to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Bachelor's of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or other related discipline and typically 10 or more years of relevant experience

• Higher education may substitute for relevant experience

• Practical knowledge of engineering principles and practices

• Understanding of Computer Aided Engineering tools and Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

• Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams• Bachelor's of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering or related discipline and typically 9 or more years of relevant experience

• Higher education may substitute for relevant experience

• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, NX) and computational analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, ANSYS).

• Experience with MDAO tools and techniques for optimizing complex engineering systems.

• Strong understanding of aerodynamics, flight mechanics, propulsion systems, and structural design principles.

• Experience with systems engineering principles and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team environment.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively to develop innovative design solutions.

• Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry

• Supersonic UAS experience

• Experience with composite materials and advanced manufacturing techniques