Temporary Professional, UAS Engineer - Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy, 78728

The Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy (MIDE), in the Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSIN), at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)

The Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy (MIDE) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, is a fast- growing research institute founded to solve real-world problems by synthesizing physics and engineering principals with a pragmatic, results-driven and collaborative philosophy. Whether it’s restoring health and wellness in the urban food-desert or developing state-of-the-art anti-drone technologies to protect our cities or troops, we’re on it.

The team is growing, and we have an outstanding opportunity for a temporary professional. You would work with us in solving wicked challenges in defense, energy, and health by transitioning fundamental solutions requires a team of highly specialized, knowledgeable, and passionate individuals who seek answers to hard questions in a collaborative environment with world-class research organizations from coast-to-coast.

For more information about the history of MIDE and our diverse team, check out our website: www.umkc.edu/mide/

MIDE is seeking a temporary professional who has experience in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), UAS policies and regulations, and UAS design and fabrication. Additional experience with radar systems, radar cross section measurements, composite mold and layups, and UAS payload integration is preferred.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

• Support the UAS pilots and UAS pilot trainers for fixed wing and multirotor UAS.
• Develop, submit, and coordinate UAS exemption, COAs, etc., with the FAA in support of Group 2 and 3 UAS operations.
• Design, fabricate, and test UAS and robotics-related systems in support of government contracts.
• Documentation including but not limited to technical reports and briefings as required.
• Work and communicate well within one or more teams.
• Strong communication, both verbal and written, and organizational/time-management skills.
• Interface with multiple engineering and non-engineering cross-functional team members.
• Other duties as assigned.

NOTE: This position is fully grant-funded and contingent on continued funding.

NOTE: This is a temporary, short-term position (up to 7 months). This position is not scheduled to continue beyond seven (7) months. This position is scheduled to be 40 hours per week and is not benefit eligible.

NOTE: This position may occasionally travel.

Standard schedule is Monday–Friday, 8 am – 5 pm or comparable. As a results-orientated organization, we support flexible schedules. Expect occasional travel for research collaborations, conference attendance, and offsite briefings.

• A master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related field.
• At least 1 year of experience (during or after degree acquisition) from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a United States security clearance.

• FAA Private Pilot license.
• Familiarity with UAS, Ardupilot/PX4 flight stacks, UAS design, and UAS flight testing.
• Familiarity with UAS regulations (Part 107, new Part 108 proposed rules, COAs, etc.).
• Experience in Department of Defense UAS/aviation research and development contracts.
• Experience with radar systems, radar cross section measurements, composite layups.
• A passion for solving high-impact, real-world problems.
• The ability to operate in agile and dynamic working environments as a core team player and independent individual.

Anticipated starting salary is between $26.00 per hour and $33.00 per hour.

For best consideration please submit application in full by January 6, 2026.

This position is not eligible for University benefits. Individuals in non benefit eligible positions may choose to participate in the Tax Deferred Annuity Plan (403b). For information about this plan, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.