FPV Product Development & Integration Engineer

Job DetailsJob Location: Teal Drones - SLC, UT 84115Position Summary The FPV Product Development & Integration Engineer will lead the design, integration, testing, and operational validation of next-generation FPV unmanned aerial systems with an emphasis on high-performance, tactically relevant FPV platforms. This role is built for an expert FPV pilot who understands FPV systems from the ground up—airframes, propulsion, power, RF links, video pipelines, human-machine interfaces, and real-world operational constraints. The successful candidate will operate as both a hands-on FPV pilot and a technical integration lead, driving FPV capability development from concept through live-fly experimentation and transition to production. This position sits at the intersection of rapid prototyping, RDT&E, and mission-driven system design, ensuring FPV platforms deliver survivability, lethality, reliability, and operator effectiveness in operationally realistic environments. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Next-Generation FPV Capability Development Lead the development and evolution of next-generation FPV platforms, including airframes, propulsion, power systems, avionics, RF/video links, payload integration, and pilot interfaces. Translate operational FPV pilot feedback and Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) requirements into concrete engineering requirements and system improvements. Evaluate and integrate emerging FPV technologies (motors, ESCs, batteries, video systems, radios, antennas, sensors, and compute). FPV-Focused PRD Development & Technical Documentation Draft and manage Product Requirement Documents (PRDs) specifically tailored to FPV capability sets. Define FPV system needs, performance thresholds, and operational use cases. Maintain traceability between FPV PRD requirements and flight testing, validation, and design iterations. Coordinate with engineers, operators, and government stakeholders to validate requirements and concepts. Partner with technical writers to ensure documentation accurately reflects real FPV system performance and constraints. FPV Human-Machine Interface Framework (HMIF) Serve as the SPiDRWORX technical lead for FPV development, with emphasis on pilot workload, latency, ergonomics, and situational awareness. Drive optimization of: FPV video pipelines (latency, resolution, robustness) Control interfaces and pilot input mapping Head-tracking, display integration, and controller ergonomics Collaborate with software and firmware teams to implement, debug, and validate FPV control and video systems across multiple hardware configurations. RDT&E, Experimentation, and Live-Fly Validation Act as the technical lead for FPV-focused RDT&E, including rapid prototyping, bench testing, and aggressive live-flight experimentation. Design and execute system-level FPV integration test plans, including instrumentation, data capture, and repeatable flight profiles. Personally fly FPV test articles to validate handling, reliability, RF/video performance, and mission effectiveness. Analyze test data to identify performance gaps, failure modes, and improvement opportunities. Lead subsystem validation (airframe, propulsion, power, RF, video, flight controls, payloads). Produce technical test reports supporting design decisions, qualification, and transition to production. Support government and internal experimentation events, including preparation of technical objectives, metrics, and demonstration packages. Provide on-site engineering and FPV pilot support for test and demo events in operationally relevant environments Transition to Production & Integration Interface with design, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to transition validated FPV capabilities into production-ready baselines. Support integration of third-party FPV components and partner technologies. Collaborate closely with the Director of SPiDRWORX to align FPV development with strategic objectives. Required Qualifications Expert-level FPV pilot with extensive real-world flight experience (manual acro, low-latency FPV, high-speed and precision flying). 5+ years of experience in UAS, FPV system development, integration engineering, or defense/advanced technology programs. Deep, hands-on knowledge of FPV systems, including: Motors, ESCs, batteries, and power systems Analog and digital FPV video systems RF control links, antennas, and link optimization Flight controllers and tuning Proven experience leading rapid prototyping, integration, and live-fly testing. Solidworks or 3D modeling experience. Ability to manage multiple concurrent development efforts in fast-paced environments. Strong technical writing and communication skills. Experience working with government, defense, or operational stakeholders. Willingness to travel up to 50%. Additional Desired Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience. Military, SOF, or operational FPV experience. Experience with denied or contested RF environments. Background in low-cost, attritable, or expendable UAS design. Familiarity with government experimentation events and RDT&E processes. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time. Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy. May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations. Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment. Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks. Background Check This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law. EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization. E-Verify The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules. Compensation: Salary plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses Qualifications