Senior Integration Engineer, Payload

WORK LOCATION

San Luis Obispo, CA

Exempt

The anticipated salary range for this role is $135,000 to $160,000 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 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; experience across electrical and mechanical engineering disciplines is 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.

• Execute end‑to‑end payload integration, including airborne and ground control system components, ensuring seamless communication and functionality.
• Integrate avionics, mission payloads, flight controllers, and embedded subsystems while meeting reliability, safety, and performance standards.
• Develop test procedures and conduct ground and flight testing to validate payload functionality and mission performance.
• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot tactical and airborne networks, including RF links and embedded communications systems.
• Diagnose and resolve electromechanical, avionics, and embedded software issues in lab and field environments.
• Translate mission requirements into clear technical specifications.
• Develop and maintain embedded and application‑level software. Write scripts and tools in Python, Bash, Shell, and C/C++ for automation, testing, and integration.
• Create and execute test plans, validate performance, analyze results, and provide technical recommendations.
• Partner with our Technical Writer(s) to develop documentation including integration guides, test reports, user manuals and troubleshooting materials.
• Provide performance data and constructive feedback to hardware design and manufacturing teams.
• Assemble and integrate custom or ad‑hoc payloads, both hardware and software, based on mission & customer‑specific needs.
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and software issues related to payload integration and work collaboratively to develop solutions.
• Ensure compliance with aircraft weight and balance considerations, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and environmental constraints.
• Provide technical expertise in sensor integration, imaging systems, RF payloads, and advanced mission payloads.
• Support documentation and certification efforts, ensuring compliance with DoD, FAA, and internal standards.
• Mentor and develop junior engineering team members.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field or equivalent experience.
• Experience in payload integration for aerospace, defense, or UAS platforms.
• Strong knowledge of electrical and mechanical integration, including power distribution, data interfaces, and control systems.
• Experience working with ground control systems, including command‑and‑control (C2) software and data link integration.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills in hardware‑software integration.
• Hands‑on experience in UAS, ISR systems, or defense‑related payloads.
• Experience in ground and flight testing, including test plan development and execution.
• Effective problem‑solving and analytical thinking in complex integration challenges.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to interface with…