Unmanned Systems Engineer

Overview

• Darkblade Systems, a CIS Secure company, is a trusted provider of specialized capabilities to priority programs within the defense and intelligence communities, delivering scientific, engineering, technical, operational support, and training services. Formed in 2010, Darkblade Systems strives to be a business that puts people first: clients, colleagues, employees, and teammates. Our cleared personnel are experts in the operationalization and deployment of new and emerging technologies.

We are actively seeking a Journeyman Cyber Engineer to join our team at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. In this role, you will lead and contribute to teams that tackle complex, multi-disciplinary problems spanning cybersecurity, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science. You'll have the opportunity to mentor junior engineers, lead projects, and explore new topics while leveraging your existing skills.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for performing the duties listed below and additional duties, as assigned:

• Innovate systems related to UAS and to use that knowledge by working with other teams and groups to enhance their electronic exploitation ability.

• Design, develop, and integrate hardware and software solutions to support cyber and electronic warfare capabilities across UAS and other unmanned platforms.

• Conduct hands-on system testing and validation in both lab and field environments, ensuring designs meet mission and performance requirements.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with software, mechanical, and electrical engineers to identify system vulnerabilities, improve resilience, and enhance mission effectiveness.

• Perform reverse engineering and vulnerability assessments of hardware and embedded systems to identify potential exploitation or defensive applications.

• Develop scripts, automation tools, and test harnesses to streamline integration, configuration, and validation processes.

• Document technical findings and design specifications to support ongoing development, sustainment, and future capability enhancements.

• Participate in design reviews and technical exchange meetings, providing subject matter expertise on cybersecurity implications for new systems and technologies.

• Support field exercises and demonstrations, occasionally traveling to test sites to deploy, configure, and troubleshoot systems under real-world conditions.

• Operate in a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys building and integrating new technologies and does not mind tackling unique challenges.
• Mentor junior engineers, lead projects, and explore new topics while leveraging your existing skills and developing new ones.

OPERATING HOURS AND EXPECTATIONS:

• This position is onsite at Aberdeen Proving Grounds and will have a standard 8-hour schedule. Monday-Friday. 

 TRAVEL:

• Ability to travel CONUS and OCONUS up to 10%.

Qualifications

CLEARANCE:  

• Active Top Secret, with SCI eligibility, clearance required upon application for initial consideration. 

EDUCATION:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Five or more (5 ) years of directly related experience.
• Experience with a coding/programming languages such as Python, Java, or C.
• Experience performing a variety of tasks using command line interfaces such as the Linux terminal.
• Applicant must be keen to learn new skills and tackle new challenges with out of the box thinking.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Familiarity with networking topics such as IP addressing and subnetting as well as common protocols (HTTP, TCP, UDP, FTP, etc.) and technologies (ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc.)
• Experience with benchtop equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal/power analyzers, and multimeters
• Experience with SDRs (HackRF, Ettus, etc.) and GNURadio
• Experience soldering electronics and circuits
• Experience with 3DCAD software such as SolidWorks or Fusion360
• Familiarity with electrical circuits and circuit design
• Experience with unmanned systems such as UAS, UGV, and USV
• Knowledge of cryptography and cryptographic systems
• Experience leveraging interfaces and protocols such as I2C, JTAG, UART, SPI, USB, and Ethernet
• Experience with ECAD software such as Altium Designer or KICAD
• Experience with embedded systems, professionally or hobbyist level
• Ability to troubleshoot circuits and perform repairs/modifications as necessary.

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Alignment

This position is well-suited for transitioning service members or veterans with experience in cyber operations, electronic warfare, signals intelligence, or unmanned systems. Relevant military backgrounds may include:

• Army: 17C (Cyber Operations Specialist), 25D (Cyber Network Defender), 35N/35S (SIGINT), 94F (Electronic Systems Repairer), 15W (UAS Operator)

• Air Force: 1B4X1 (Cyber Warfare Operations), 3D1X2 (Cyber Transport Systems), 3D1X3 (RF Transmission Systems), 1A8X2 (Airborne ISR), 1U0X1 (RPA Sensor Operator)

• Navy: CTN/CTR/CTI (Cryptologic Technician – Networks/Collection/Interpretive), ET (Electronics Technician), AE/AT (Avionics or Aviation Electrician’s Mate)

• Marine Corps: 1721 (Cyberspace Warfare Operator), 2621 (SIGINT Collection Operator), 6332 (Avionics Technician – UAS)

Candidates with hands-on experience in systems integration, cybersecurity, RF technologies, or unmanned platforms will find this role a strong match for their technical skills and mission-driven background.

Benefits

WHAT WE OFFER:

At CIS Secure and its associated companies, Intrepid Solutions and Services and Darkblade Systems, we believe in promoting fair and transparent pay practices. We are committed to disclosing the compensation range for transparency and to set clear expectations for all applicants for this posting. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base salary for the advertised job, promotion, or transfer opportunity. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. The actual salary offered may vary based on various factors including but not limited to relevant experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, education, geographic location, as well as internal equity, and alignment to market data.Job Type: Full-time (onsite)

Pay Range: $110,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) with company matching
• Dental insurance
• Medical insurance
• Health Savings Account option
• Flexible Spending
• Vision insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Ancillary offerings (Hospital Indemnity, Accident, Critical Illness, Pet Insurance)
• Paid Time OffHoliday pay

Darkblade Systems, a CIS Secure company, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Salary : $110,000 - $150,000