Systems Engineer - Hardware/Software Integration

KBR • Albuquerque, NM

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Systems Engineer focused on Hardware/Software Integration, you will support the design, development, integration, and testing of complex airborne and mission systems composed of diverse hardware, software, communications, sensing, and control components. In a collaborative small-team environment, you will partner with software engineers, researchers, and system architects to rapidly prototype, integrate, test, and mature advanced capabilities from concept through demonstration.

The role combines systems engineering with hands-on technical development and integration. You will contribute to software development in C/C++, evaluate and integrate hardware devices and interfaces, develop hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop test environments, and support experimentation activities that reduce technical risk and accelerate capability development.

You will work with software engineers, hardware engineers, test engineers, program leadership, and government customers to define requirements, integrate system components, identify and resolve technical issues, and transition prototype capabilities into operationally relevant solutions. The position is full-time and hybrid in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with minimal travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.
• At least 5 years of experience in systems engineering, software engineering, integration engineering, embedded systems, robotics, autonomous systems, aerospace systems, or related fields.
• Experience developing software using C and/or C++.
• Experience integrating hardware and software systems in laboratory, field, or operational environments.
• Understanding of software-hardware interfaces, including networking, serial communications, Ethernet, USB, CAN, RS-232/422/485, I2C, SPI, GPIB, and similar protocols.
• Familiarity with Linux-based development environments and software deployment processes.
• Familiarity with CMake, Git, and development frameworks and tools.
• Familiarity with modeling, simulation, and mission analysis tools, including AFSIM and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Familiarity with oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.
• Familiarity with standard SDKs for commercial drone controller platforms.
• Familiarity with Linux system calls and MCU development.
• Experience supporting integration, testing, troubleshooting, and verification activities for complex technical systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within cross-functional engineering teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on technical drive and accountability.
• High motivation, creativity, and flexibility in a dynamic research and development environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline, or at least 3 years of additional pertinent experience.
• Experience developing low-level software, hardware interfaces, device drivers, or embedded systems applications.
• Experience with autonomous systems, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), robotics, aerospace systems, or mission systems development.
• Experience designing or supporting hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), or digital engineering test environments.
• Experience integrating sensors, cameras, radios, navigation systems, flight controllers, or other mission hardware.
• Experience with Linux systems administration, scripting, and automation.
• Proficiency with Python and modern C++ development practices.
• Familiarity with real-time systems, distributed architectures, and multithreaded software development.
• Experience with networking technologies, tactical communications, telemetry systems, and data transport architectures.
• Experience with laboratory, ground-test, and flight-test execution and data analysis.
• Experience using Git, CI/CD pipelines, Agile development processes, and collaborative software engineering tools.
• Experience supporting government research and development programs, rapid prototyping efforts, or advanced technology demonstrations.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, development, integration, and testing of complex systems incorporating embedded hardware, sensors, communications devices, processing platforms, and software applications.
• Develop and maintain system architectures, interface definitions, and technical documentation for hardware and software subsystems.
• Collaborate with software engineers to develop, integrate, and test C/C++ applications supporting real-time and near real-time system functions.
• Design, implement, and maintain hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), and system integration test environments.
• Develop and integrate low-level software interfaces, middleware, drivers, and communication protocols supporting system functionality.
• Evaluate, integrate, and troubleshoot hardware devices, including sensors, radios, cameras, control systems, compute platforms, networking equipment, and mission-related subsystems.
• Support laboratory, field, and flight-test activities, including system setup, integration, experiment execution, data collection, and performance analysis.
• Conduct system verification, validation, and performance characterization activities to ensure technical requirements are met.
• Identify technical risks, integration challenges, and system deficiencies early in the development lifecycle and drive resolution activities.
• Analyze system behavior and performance using experimental data, logs, telemetry, and engineering analysis tools.
• Communicate technical findings, design recommendations, and test results to engineering teams, program leadership, and customers.
• Collaborate across multiple disciplines to mature prototype capabilities into robust operational solutions.
• Demonstrate technical ownership, initiative, accountability, and attention to mission success.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• AD&D coverage.
• Flexible spending account.
• Disability benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Flexible work schedule may be available.
• Professional training and development.
• Potential additional compensation may include a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary performance payments.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level