Autonomous Systems Project Engineer- Launched Effects

Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3)•Huntsville, AL

About The Position

Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3) is seeking an Autonomous Systems Project Engineer to provide technical innovation and engineering leadership for the development, integration, and flight-testing of uncrewed Launched Effects platforms. The role carries technical accountability across vendor platforms, from rapid prototyping and hardware-in-the-loop verification through flight demonstrations and low-rate production. The engineer will work with autonomous systems, edge AI compute, dynamic networking, and sensor-to-shooter integration, emphasizing hands-on execution, iterative development, modularity, and operational speed. The position leads integration of autonomy technologies and modular mission payloads, enforces open-architecture principles, manages vendor technical baselines and delivery milestones, and develops technical requirements for rapid acquisition and contracting packages. It also leads anomaly investigations and communicates technical findings, telemetry, and risk trade-offs to senior program and military leaders. The role requires a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or additional experience in lieu of the degree, at least five years of related experience, technical literacy in uncrewed or autonomous systems, and an active Top Secret/SCI clearance. The work involves regular weekday hours, with occasional additional hours, and the physical activities and capabilities described in the posting.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Systems, or a related field; additional years of experience may substitute for the degree.
At least five years of related experience.
Demonstrated technical literacy in uncrewed systems (UAS), autonomous flight dynamics, robotics, edge computing, or embedded systems.
Proven ability to identify complex engineering risks, isolate root causes, and lead multidisciplinary Integrated Product Teams through resolution.
Active Top Secret / SCI clearance.
Strong understanding of program and product integration principles, including relationships among cost, schedule, technical performance, and operational requirements.
Sound judgment and ability to analyze complex technical and programmatic information and develop practical recommendations.
Initiative, attention to detail, organization, and accountability.
Ability to work independently, anticipate customer needs, and translate general guidance into actionable tasks and coordinated execution plans.
Effective leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills across government and contractor organizations.
Ability to facilitate discussions, resolve competing priorities, and coordinate stakeholders.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information to technical and nontechnical audiences.
Ability to manage concurrent activities and deadlines and respond effectively to changing priorities.
Commitment to teamwork, responsive customer support, continuous improvement, and mission delivery.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Group 1–3 UAS, loitering munitions, cruise missiles, or precision-guided aerial delivery systems.
Direct experience integrating kinetic warheads, electronic warfare systems, EO/IR sensors, tactical datalinks such as MANET or Link 16, or Software Defined Radios.
Working familiarity with OTAs, Section 804 Middle Tier of Acquisition, Commercial Solutions Openings, or rapid defense innovation organizations such as DIU, RCCTO, or DARPA.
Experience with defense open standards such as OMS, UCI, FACE, or SOSA, and payload plug-and-play standards.

Responsibilities

Drive hands-on technical execution across vendor platforms from concept through range testing, prioritizing iterative hardware builds and flight demonstrations.
Lead integration of edge AI compute, collaborative swarming algorithms, automated target recognition, and GPS-denied navigation into uncrewed airframes.
Integrate modular payloads, including electronic warfare systems, RF sensors, EO/IR optics, and kinetic effects.
Enforce Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) standards and challenge legacy standards or requirements when commercial technologies, open APIs, or advanced manufacturing can deliver capability more quickly or effectively.
Monitor and manage vendor technical baselines, test schedules, and delivery milestones; identify design vulnerabilities, component obsolescence, and schedule drift; and hold industry partners accountable.
Develop technical requirements for Statements of Work, Performance Work Statements, and Contract Requirements Packages using rapid acquisition vehicles such as OTAs and Middle Tier of Acquisition.
Lead failure analysis and anomaly investigations after ground discrepancies and flight anomalies, using findings as opportunities for rapid learning.
Synthesize flight telemetry, engineering data, and risk-trade analyses into concise briefings and white papers for Program Managers and General Officers.
Coordinate detailed technical activities and dependencies while maintaining a program-level perspective.
Facilitate discussions, resolve competing priorities, and coordinate government and contractor stakeholders toward program objectives.
Track multiple concurrent activities, manage deadlines, and respond to changing program priorities.
Provide responsive customer support and contribute to teamwork, continuous improvement, and delivery of mission capabilities.