Mission Systems Integration Engineer

About the role

You are responsible for integrating, testing, and validating the complete suite of systems that allow Laila to operate autonomously and reliably in demanding operational environments. This role owns the end-to-end integration of payloads, avionics, and ground control systems to ensure they function as a unified, certifiable platform. You will define and validate the critical interfaces that connect diverse mission-specific equipment to the aircraft airframe and flight systems. You will work hands-on to verify data flow, command and control, and real-time performance across each mission configuration. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to bring new payloads from concept through to safe and repeatable deployment on the platform. Your work will directly influence the safety, reliability, and performance of configurations ranging from cargo delivery to medical transport and defense applications. You will supplement integration efforts with targeted software development to close verification gaps and enable rigorous validation campaigns.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Integrate diverse mission-specific payloads including EO/IR and vision sensors, cargo and delivery mechanisms, medical transport modules, communications relays, ISR and defense packages onto the aircraft as safe, mission-ready configurations.
• Define and validate the mechanical, electrical, power, data, and software interfaces between payloads and the airframe, and capture them in detailed payload interface control documents.
• Establish reusable, modular payload integration patterns and architectures so new payloads can be brought onto the platform quickly, safely, and repeatably.
• Verify payload command, control, and data flow through the autopilot, onboard compute, and ground control station across each mission configuration and operational mode.
• Characterize the impact of payloads on aircraft-level behavior including power budgets, electromagnetic compatibility, weight and balance, thermal performance, and command latency, and drive resolution of any integration issues.
• Integrate avionics, sensors, and payloads into a cohesive onboard system encompassing autopilot, navigation, vision systems, electrical architecture, mechanical structures, and power management.
• Own the integration between airborne systems and the Ground Control Station, enabling robust telemetry, video, payload control, and command and control links with secure and reliable data paths.
• Integrate real-time communication and streaming protocols across subsystems such as MAVLink, Ethernet, CAN, RTSP, UDP, and proprietary interfaces to ensure deterministic data distribution.
• Bring up and integrate flight control, mission logic, communication links, and payload interfaces into a validated end-to-end system that meets safety and performance requirements.
• Lead software-hardware integration, debugging, and validation activities using Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop test setups and during field and flight test campaigns.
• Plan, execute, and document comprehensive payload and system integration test campaigns, ensuring traceability from requirements through verification results.
• Support flight test campaigns by preparing test matrices, procedures, and analysis to confirm that integrated systems perform as expected in real-world conditions.
• Analyze test results, identify root causes of integration anomalies, and coordinate fixes across software, firmware, hardware, and mechanical domains.
• Maintain and evolve integration tools, test automation, and data collection systems to improve efficiency and coverage across test programs.
• Collaborate with certification authorities, launch partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure all integration activities support regulatory compliance and customer commitments.
• Communicate progress, risks, and decisions clearly and frequently to cross-functional teams including engineering, program management, and operations.

Requirements

You have a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience. You possess 8+ years of experience in systems, avionics, or vehicle integration, with a strong track record of delivering complex hardware and software systems to production or operational status. You have 8+ years of experience in integration, verification, and validation of real-time systems, including extensive use of simulation and test methods. You have hands-on experience bringing payloads, sensors, and electronics onto aircraft or similar platforms, defining mechanical and electrical interfaces, and validating system behavior. You are experienced with command and control systems, telemetry, video streaming, and data link technologies used in aviation or defense applications. You have demonstrated ability to define and maintain Interface Control Documents and other technical specifications that capture system architecture and interfaces. You are proficient with integration and debugging tools, data analysis methods, and test planning techniques used in safety-critical development programs. You are comfortable working in fast-paced, iterative development environments where requirements evolve based on testing and customer feedback. You communicate effectively with both technical specialists and non-technical stakeholders, documenting decisions and trade-offs clearly. You hold a current driver's license and are eligible to obtain any additional security clearances required for defense-related work.

Nice to have

Experience with UAV platforms, VTOL aircraft, or related unmanned systems is preferred. Familiarity with MAVLink, RTPS, or other avionics data bus standards is beneficial. Hands-on experience with SIL/HIL test benches and real-time simulation tools is highly valued. Knowledge of aviation safety standards such as DO-178C or DO-254 is a plus. Experience with mission planning, ISR, or defense payloads is a strong advantage. Background in commercial aviation, urban air mobility, or cargo logistics operations is relevant. Experience with data streaming, video distribution, and secure communications links is preferred.

Practical notes

This role is based in Long Beach, California, and requires availability during standard business hours for integration, test, and flight campaign activities. Occasional domestic travel to test sites and partner facilities may be required. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for this position at this time.