AERPAW Vehicle Engineer

Posting Details

Posting Information

Posting Number
PG194199EP

Internal Recruitment
No

Working Title
AERPAW Vehicle Engineer

Anticipated Hiring Range
$105,000 - $110,000

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, schedule determined by supervisor

Job Location
Raleigh, NC

Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering

About the Department

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) is one of the top 10 suppliers of ECE talent at the BS level in the US, and also ranks in the top 10 ECE Departments in total annual research expenditures (ASEE). The department is located in state-of-the-art facilities on NC State's Centennial Campus.

The University is located in the technology-rich Research Triangle metropolitan area, and ECE faculty members collaborate routinely with local industry. The Research Triangle area is frequently recognized in nationwide surveys as one of the best places to live in the U.S. We enjoy outstanding public schools, affordable housing, and great weather, all in the proximity of the mountains and the seashore.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

We are seeking a skilled and innovative Autonomous Vehicle Engineer to join our team supporting the AERPAW (Platform for Advanced Wireless Research) testbed. This role is ideal for candidates with hands-on experience in autonomous systems and a passion for developing cutting-edge UAV and UGV technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and test autonomous vehicles, including large Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) for the AERPAW testbed.
• Design and integrate custom payloads that are physically, electrically, and software-compatible with vehicle platforms.
• Maintain, upgrade, and test-fly existing autonomous vehicles to ensure operational readiness and performance.
• Support ongoing development and deployment of advanced vehicle systems within the testbed environment.

Other Responsibilities

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Require post-baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor's degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.

Other Required Qualifications

• Proficiency with CAD and CAM software
• Proficiency operating CNC routers (or similar) and 3D printers
• Proficiency designing and building multicopters (large multicopters are plus)
• Proficiency with autopilots (ArduPilot is a plus)
• Proficiency with drone sensors (IMUs, barometers, magnetometers, GNSS receivers)
• Proficiency in documenting their work
• Experience running a workshop or a lab
• Experience flying a multicopter without GPS at over 400m using direct line of sight, FPV, and instruments.
• FAA Part 107 certification (or willingness to obtain one within 2 months of the start date)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing and building circuit boards
• Experience writing MAVLink programs
• Experience working as part of a team
• Experience designing and building large (>20kg) rovers
• A healthy touch of perfectionism

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required
No

Commercial Driver's License required
No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date
07/31/2025

Anticipated Close Date
Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include as attachments a resume, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.

Position Details

Position Number
00111047

Position Type
Exempt Professional Staff

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.00

Appointment
12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID
140401 - Electrical & Computer Engineering

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at or .

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.