Position Title: Hardware Systems Engineer
Location: St. Paul, MN 55114
Schedule: 1st shift, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Pay Rate: $48/hour (W2 through KellyOCG for John Deere)

Assignment Length: 12 Months
Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available now or in the future.

Position Summary

The Hardware Systems Engineer will integrate Sentera sensors and hardware onto unmanned aerial system (UAS) platforms. This role requires experience with systems engineering practices, mechanical design, UAS instrumentation, hardware testing and validation, and product integration.

The engineer will support integration planning and execution, mechanical design, product validation, flight testing, documentation, and Level 2 engineering support. The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, motivated, and committed to user success.

Key Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components related to Sentera sensors and hardware.
• Plan and execute sensor and hardware integrations for new UAS platforms.
• Maintain existing Sentera sensor integrations.
• Support hardware integrations across UAS platforms.
• Plan and conduct UAS flight testing.
• Design, fabricate, and document wire harnesses.
• Create and maintain internal engineering and production documentation.
• Create and maintain user-facing product documentation.
• Provide Level 2 engineering support.
• Conduct hardware and software compatibility testing involving:
  • Sentera sensors
  • UAS platforms
  • Third-party post-processing software
• Create and maintain engineering drawings and bills of materials.
• Facilitate documentation change management between engineering and production teams.
• Serve as a point of contact between Sentera engineering teams and technology-partner engineering teams.
• Help establish product improvement and sustainment criteria.
• Develop subject-matter expertise in Sentera sensors and hardware, including their functions and applications.
• Learn how Sentera products operate and how to make them compatible with various UAS platforms.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field.
• At least one year of CAD experience; PTC Creo experience preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to independently interpret requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Highly motivated and self-directed.
• Ability to work constructively in a team environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• FAA Part 107 certification must be obtained within three months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with UAS or drone platforms.
• Experience with Pixhawk autopilot hardware.
• Experience with PX4 and ArduPilot flight-stack firmware.
• Experience with MAVLink-based systems.
• Experience with UAS instrumentation, integration, or flight testing.
• Experience with hardware validation and compatibility testing.
• Experience creating engineering drawings, bills of materials, and technical documentation.

Technical Environment

The manager is particularly interested in candidates familiar with:

• Pixhawk autopilot hardware
• PX4 flight-stack firmware
• ArduPilot flight-stack firmware
• MAVLink-based systems
• UAS platform integration
• Sensor and hardware compatibility

Candidates should be willing and interested in learning these systems and developing expertise in Sentera products.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Approximately 25% of the workday may be spent standing or on your feet.
• Must be able to lift up to 55 pounds.
• Business casual dress code.
• Position begins onsite immediately.

Travel Requirements

• Travel using a personal vehicle may be required, potentially as often as weekly depending on the season.
• Additional travel may be required for flight testing and product validation activities.