Senior Integration Engineer, Payload

Redwire Defense Tech is seeking a Senior Integration Engineer to support the integration of payload systems on Group 2/3 Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). This hands-on role involves integrating and validating gimbal payloads, lethality payloads, radios, and other mission systems, conducting hardware/software integration, running and documenting tests, and troubleshooting system-level issues. The engineer will collaborate with customers, internal teams, and external partners to support demonstrations and ensure readiness for fielding.

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.

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 have

• 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.

Benefits

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan