Top Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL

Lead aircraft-level thermal analysis and characterization for VTOL unmanned aircraft. Develop and validate analytical and CFD models, run trade studies, define requirements, plan and analyze thermal tests, mentor teams, and mitigate aircraft thermal risks to meet mission-critical aerospace requirements.

Develop, integrate, and test high-quality embedded C/C++ avionics software for X-BAT UAVs, interfacing with sensors, firmware, autonomy systems, and GCS; design CI/HIL test systems, produce documentation, and collaborate across cross-functional teams.

Lead systems engineering for Hivemind-based autonomy products: define and manage requirements, develop system architectures and trade studies, coordinate hardware/software interfaces, support integration/verification/validation and testing, and identify and mitigate technical risks across the system lifecycle.

Plan, execute, and analyze ground and flight test campaigns for manned/unmanned aircraft. Develop test plans, coordinate pre/flight/post activities, collect telemetry, troubleshoot systems, validate requirements, document results, and improve test processes while supporting maintenance and range operations.

Support selection, characterization, calibration, and integration of multi-modal navigation and localization sensors (IMUs, GNSS, cameras). Develop and run test plans, calibration scripts, and data-processing tools. Work cross-functionally with EE/ME/SW on electrical interfaces, mounting, thermal/vibration, and software drivers. Debug hardware–firmware–software issues, document trade studies and integration requirements, and support production and occasional travel.

Lead design and development of primary and secondary structural components for next-generation UAVs, owning the full lifecycle from concept to production. Perform and guide linear/nonlinear FEA, stress and fatigue analysis, material selection (composites, aluminum), and structural validation testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams for integration, manufacturability, and certification, mentor junior engineers, and improve design and configuration management processes.

Lead survivability engineering for autonomous aircraft: design and optimize low-observable features, perform EM signature modeling and RCS testing, partner with multidisciplinary teams and materials scientists, translate threats into survivability requirements, and support assessments and milestone decisions throughout the program lifecycle.

Drive supplier development for electronic assemblies (PCBA/SMT): audit processes, resolve manufacturing defects, perform root-cause analysis and corrective actions, enforce IPC/J-STD standards, support NPI, monitor supplier performance, and mitigate supply chain risk with frequent supplier travel.

Design and implement full‑stack, low‑latency web-based Ground Control Station and C2 systems (map-centric UIs, real-time telemetry, video streaming), lead architecture and APIs, mentor engineers, support field tests and mission deployments, and ensure interoperability with C2 standards.

Lead supplier development for machined parts: audit and improve supplier processes, perform on-site quality investigations, support NPI, provide technical guidance on specifications and manufacturing, monitor supplier performance, and mitigate supply chain risks to enable scalable aerospace production.