Mission Engineer - Air Systems

Job DetailsJob Location: Apium - San Diego, CA 92121Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $124,000.00 SalaryPosition Summary

Apium Swarm Robotics (ASR) is revolutionizing swarm autonomy software for air, surface, undersea, and ground vehicles operating across dual-use commercial and defense environments. Our systems are deployed on real platforms, tested in the field, and delivered to customers operating in complex, uncertain, and safety-critical conditions.

We do not build research prototypes or slideware. Our software is integrated into real vehicles, tested in the field, and delivered to customers who depend on operational reliability, speed of execution, and mission relevance. We prioritize performance over hype.

ASR systems represent the next phase in autonomy: collaborative swarming. These are not like pre-programmed drones for light shows. We are creating real-time cooperative management that lets one operator control dozens to hundreds of vehicles in real-time with the ease of controlling a single vehicle. As such, this role requires comfort with responsibility, ambiguity, and operational accountability.

Mission Engineering is responsible for deploying, operating, maintaining, and supporting autonomous vehicle systems in real-world environments. This role sits at the intersection of business development, engineering, and field deployment, and is critical to ensuring ASR systems perform reliably outside the lab.

You will primarily operate and support unmanned ASR-equipped unmanned aerial vehicles. As time and company opportunities permit, you will also support surface, undersea, and ground vehicles in both commercial and defense contexts, often in unfamiliar, austere, or high-tempo environments. You will work with a significant level of autonomy, make decisions, and provide direct feedback to engineering and sales teams based on real operational experience and customer engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Deploy, operate, and maintain UAS, USV, UUV, and UGV platforms in the field
Support mission execution involving autonomous and semi-autonomous systems
Configure, operate, and troubleshoot autonomy and autopilot hardware/software in real-time operational conditions
Perform systems integration, pre-mission checks, and post-mission analysis
Maintain and repair vehicle systems, payloads, and supporting ground equipment
Operate systems in environments with limited infrastructure, communications, or support
Provide detailed operational feedback to engineering teams to improve system performance and reliability
Support business development engagements, demonstrations, customer evaluations, training events, and deployments
Travel to test sites, customer locations, and operational environments
Represent ASR professionally with customers, partners, and government stakeholders

Required Qualifications

5+ years of hands-on experience deploying, operating, or maintaining unmanned systems (UAS, USV, UUV, UGV)
Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Experience operating systems in austere field and/or maritime operational environments
Strong mechanical, electrical, or systems troubleshooting skills
Comfort working independently with limited oversight
Ability to remain calm and effective under operational pressure
Willingness and ability to travel frequently, sometimes on short notice

Additional Desired Qualifications

Military experience operating, maintaining, or deploying unmanned systems in land, air, or maritime domains
Experience with autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle operations
Experience supporting defense, maritime, aerospace, or safety-critical commercial operations
Familiarity with command-and-control systems, mission planning software, or autonomy platforms
Experience working in classified, export-controlled, or government-adjacent environments
U.S. security clearance or ability to obtain one

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Ability to travel, including international travel
Ability to work irregular hours in support of field operations and deployments
Ability to lift, transport, and operate heavy field equipment as required

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: Base pay $100-124K, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.
Qualifications