Senior Integration Engineer, Payload

Redwire Defense Tech•Huntsville, AL

4d•$120,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

Redwire Defense Tech is seeking a skilled Integration Engineer to support the integration of payload systems on Group 2/3 Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). This role is hands-on and technically focused, with experience across electrical and mechanical engineering disciplines being highly desired. The Integration Engineer will be directly responsible for integrating and validating gimbal payloads, lethality payloads, radios, and other mission systems. Key activities include conducting hardware/software integration, running and documenting integration and software tests, troubleshooting system-level issues, and ensuring payloads are fully compatible with aircraft performance and mission requirements. This position also requires strong collaboration with customers, internal engineering teams, and external partners to support demonstrations, resolve integration challenges, and ensure readiness for fielding.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Experience integrating payloads, avionics, mission systems, or embedded subsystems on UAS, aerospace, or defense platforms.
Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical system integration, including power distribution, signal and data interfaces, electromechanical assemblies, and control systems.
Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex hardware-software integration issues involving sensors, payloads, avionics, communications systems, and embedded devices.
Hands-on experience working with UAS, ISR, or other defense-related mission payloads in laboratory, test, or operational environments.
Experience developing test procedures and executing ground and flight tests to validate system performance, functionality, and mission requirements.
Ability to analyze test data, identify root causes of system integration issues, and implement effective corrective actions.
Strong technical communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines and engage with customers, government stakeholders, and external partners.
Experience creating and maintaining technical documentation, including integration procedures, test reports, troubleshooting guides, and certification support materials.
Knowledge of aircraft integration considerations, including payload compatibility, weight and balance impacts, environmental constraints, and electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) principles.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in engineering, or a related field is preferred.
Experience supporting DoD programs with a focus on payload performance optimization.
Proficiency in payload communication protocols, such as Ethernet, Serial (RS-232/422/485), MIL-STD-1553, or CAN bus.
Familiarity with EMI shielding, RF interference mitigation, and environmental qualification testing.
Adaptability to work in dynamic, high-priority environments with shifting technical challenges.
Experience integrating advanced ISR sensors, EO/IR systems, radar, and electronic warfare (EW) payloads.
Knowledge of ITAR, MIL-STD, and FAA certification requirements for payload integration.

Responsibilities

Execute end-to-end integration of payload systems, including airborne and ground control system components, ensuring seamless functionality and communication.
Integrate avionics, mission payloads, flight controllers, radios, and embedded subsystems while meeting reliability, safety, and performance requirements.
Develop test procedures and conduct ground and flight testing to validate payload functionality, mission performance, and system compatibility.
Lead and collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to design and develop integrated solutions.
Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, mechanical, avionics, embedded software, and system-level integration issues in both laboratory and field environments.
Translate mission and customer requirements into technical integration specifications, test plans, and implementation solutions.
Analyze test results, validate performance against requirements, and provide technical recommendations for system improvements.
Collaborate with customers, internal engineering teams, manufacturing, and external partners to resolve integration challenges and support demonstrations and fielding activities.
Develop and maintain integration documentation, test reports, user guides, and certification support materials in partnership with technical writing teams.
Ensure payload integration compliance with aircraft performance requirements, including weight and balance, electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC), environmental constraints, and applicable DoD, FAA, and internal standards.