Gimbal Systems & Test Engineer

Work Location: Huntsville, AL

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: The anticipated salary range for this role is $95,000 to $123,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

Redwire Defense Tech is expanding its gimbal production capacity. As we scale the Octopus ISR gimbal production capabilities— we are building a production environment focused on continuing to maintain a high level of quality, and system-level integration.

We are seeking a Gimbal Systems & Test Engineer who will play a key role in standing up this new capability. In this role, you will help translate mature production processes into a new location, develop improved integration workflows, and ensure that our gimbals meet the highest standards of stabilization, imaging performance, and mission reliability. This is a hands‑on engineering position at the intersection of systems engineering, test development, and manufacturing readiness—ideal for someone who thrives in a growing, fast‑moving, technically rich environment.

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

• Design, execute and document comprehensive test plans for stabilization performance EO/IR imaging quality across lighting and environmental conditions, built‑in video processing features, and environmental and durability testing (HASS/HALT)
• Develop automated and manual test procedures for production, qualification and regression testing
• Conduct hardware—in-the-loop (HIL) and flight test validation to ensure performance meets mission requirements
• Identify root cause of anomalies and drive corrective actions with cross‑functional engineering teams
• Build performance models and test reports to support customer acceptance and internal design reviews
• Support flight operations for the Stalker platform and all integration activities for Octopus products on the Stalker platform
• Provide on‑site technical support for payload installation, calibration, and mission readiness
• Train customers and internal team members on gimbal operation, troubleshooting and maintenance
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software and optical engineering teams to refine next generation gimbal designs
• Contribute to improvements in stabilization algorithms, sensor packaging and ruggedization approaches
• Provide feedback to product owners and product managers based on test results and customer mission profiles
• Assumes all other responsibilities as assigned

The following are a non‑exhaustive list of qualifications for the position:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, robotics or related field
• 2‑4 years of progressive experience in aircraft or UAS payload system design, integration or support
• Experience with stabilized gimbal systems, EO/IR sensors, or ISR payloads
• Hands‑on experience with test engineering, including test plan creation, instrumentation, and data analysis
• Strong understanding of control systems, inertial sensors, and real‑time video processing
• Familiarity with UAV payload integration, avionics interfaces or embedded systems

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, robotics or related field
• Experience with geo‑referencing and INS‑aided tracking systems
• Background in environmental qualification (vibration, thermal, IP ratings)
• Experience with flight testing, telemetry analysis, or HIL simulation
• Knowledge of defense ISR mission requirements and CONOPS

• 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

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export…