Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Oregon

About Overwatch:

Overwatch Imaging is an imagery intelligence technology company working to bring sensor autonomy to time-critical airborne search, detection, tracking and monitoring missions. Our Automated Sensor Operator (ASO) software, native to our own line of purpose-built Smart Sensors and as an upgrade for airborne video gimbal platforms, bringsSuperhuman VisionandWorkload Reductionto users of real-time imagery intelligence systems. We fundamentally believe that modern edge processing and AI-enabled autonomy can perform an important set of time-critical imagery intelligence missions better,fasterand moresafely than humans can alone.

Founded in 2016 in Hood River, Oregon, we support private sector companies as well as federal,stateand local agencies around the world with missions ranging from wildfire mapping and disaster response to law enforcement, border security, maritime domainawarenessand tactical intelligence.

About the Role:

We are seeking anaviation-centric Systems & Flight Test Analystto join our team. This isnota traditional help deskor SaaSQArole -this position sits at the intersection offlight operations, sensor hardware integration, and real-world airborne testing.You'llbe directly involved in preparing, executing, and evaluating airborne sensor systemsonsmall,crewedaircraft, working alongside pilots, engineers, and customers to make our airborne products safe, reliable, andmission-ready.

In this role, you will plan and support flight tests, integrate and troubleshoot sensors inaircraftenvironments, andoperateorassistin operating payload systems (e.g., video gimbals, airborne imagers) during actual flights.You'llalso be customer-facing at times, supporting field deployments, demos, and training - so poise, communication, and professionalism matter.

Ifyou'reexcited by aviation, enjoy hands-on technical problem solving, and want to help delivercutting-edgeairborne systems used in defense, emergency response, and critical remote sensingmissions,this role is for you.

WhatYou'll Do:

Flight & Field Testing

• Prepare for andparticipateinflight testswith airborne sensor systems, including payload setup, checklists, and test verification.

• Assistinintegration of sensor hardware(electrical, mounting, cabling) ontoaircraftprior totestflights.

• Execute test plans during airbornemissions anddocument outcomes for engineering evaluation.

Sensor & Systems Troubleshooting

• Analyze issues from flight data, logs, and onboard systems toidentifyand resolve hardware or software anomalies.

• Work with hardware (electrical interfaces, data links) and software to ensure correct sensor performance in flight conditions.

Customer & Aviation Support

• Serve as afield representativeduring customer flights, demos, and deployments; communicate clearly with pilots, operators, and external stakeholders.

• Conduct on-site technical training or support for customers as needed.

• Support our help desk and troubleshoot issues for customers as they arise.

Quality Assurance & Collaboration

• Write and execute targeted test plans that reflect real-world airborne use cases (not just desktop tests).

• Log defects with detailed reproduction steps and flight conditions.

• Work closely with engineers to refine system design based on flight and sensor test results.

• Provide constructive feedback to product and engineering teams about recurring operational challenges.

Documentation & Knowledge Sharing

• Maintain and improve documentation for airborne test procedures, integration guides, and in-field troubleshooting tips.

• Contribute to internal knowledge base and training materials.

Who You Are:

Ideal Experience

• Experience inremote sensing, airborne payload operation, video gimbal systems, or sensor integrationonaircraftor unmanned platforms.

• Comfortable working in aviation environments - including pre-flight prep, test execution, and flight "ride-along" support.

• You may be a formerairborne sensor operator, flight test technician, remote sensing specialist, or someone with hands-on experience integrating sensors onaircraft.

Technical Aptitude

• Strong troubleshooting and systems-thinking skills with both hardware and software.

• Knowledge of electrical interfaces, data acquisition systems, and basicaircraftsensor hardware is a plus.

Communication & Customer Poise

• Excellent verbal and written communication. You can confidently explain complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders and customers.

• Yourepresentthe company in field environments -you'repersonable, professional, and comfortable interacting with pilots, customers, and partners.

Organizational & Team Skills

• You manage multiple tasks effectively, prioritize under pressure, and help drive issues to resolution.

• You thrive in a dynamic, small-company environment where adaptability and cross-functional teamwork are key.

Mindset

• You'repassionate about aviation, airborne systems, and real-world testing.You'reexcited to learn, grow, and contribute to product success through hands-on work.

Nice-to-Have (but Not Required)

• Prior Test Experience - experience creating and executing test cases
• Prior aviation or flight test experience (civilian or military).
• Prior ISR experience

• Experience with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence, Service Desk,etc)

• Familiarity with remote sensing data, GIS tools, or sensor calibration procedures.

What We Offer:

• Growth Opportunities: As a team member of a true startup, you will learn by doing andshapeour future. The opportunities are limitless for those who want to grow their career.

• Impact Opportunity: We work on missions that matter to keep people safe and make the world better, and we do it at the speed of a startup.

• Team Collaboration: Work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with amazing teammates. The Overwatch Imaging leadership team believes in an open-door policy, meaning everyone has a voice and access to guidance, advice, feedback, and the ability to pitch crazynew ideas.

• Late Start Wednesday: A weekly blockto havefocus time away from meetings and calls. An opportunity to work from home, flex yourscheduleor self-directed time to focus on training and development.

• Time Off: Generous unlimited PTO policy to empower employees to make decisions about work life balance based on work and home needs.

• Holidays: Overwatch Imaging recognizes 10 company holidays.

• Ownership: Equity: Stock Options in our growing company.

• Health Benefits: Medical and Dental premiums are 100% covered for employees and their families, plus a pre-tax health savings account.

• 401K Retirement Savings: Matching contributions up to 4% of pay.

• Travel: Position requires business travel up to 50% and work in and around non-commercialaircraft.

All applicants must be authorized to work on a permanent basis in the United States.

Overwatch Imaging is an equal opportunity workplace and makes employment decisions based on merit and business needs, regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other protected personal characteristic.

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, even if they don't meet every requirement listed

in this job description. We value diversity of experience and perspectives and are always looking

for talented individuals to join our team.

Export Control Compliance Notice
This position may involve access to data, technology, or software that is subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant's ability to obtain any necessary export authorization, as determined by an export compliance assessment conducted by the company.