Senior Autonomy Integration Engineer

About the role

This position involves integrating advanced autonomy software onto unmanned platforms. You will prepare these systems for flight and resolve critical issues in both laboratory and field settings. This role demands hands-on experience and a strong systems perspective to ensure autonomous systems operate reliably.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft, ensuring functionality across onboard computers, sensors, and control interfaces.
• Manage the build, configuration, and validation of flight-ready systems, confirming hardware/software compatibility and mission readiness.
• Provide support at test sites for live flight operations, including safety checks, system activation, and troubleshooting under tight deadlines.
• Diagnose and fix integration problems within complex autonomy software and embedded systems in lab and field environments.
• Oversee data collection during missions and conduct post-test analysis to refine behaviors and identify system improvements.
• Collaborate with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to deliver and validate mission-critical functions on schedule.
• Develop tools and processes to enhance integration timelines, flight test reliability, and team efficiency.
• Assist with documentation and system validation for certification, airworthiness, and compliance in defense settings.
• Travel approximately 30-40% of the year to various office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events.

Requirements

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a similar field, or equivalent practical experience.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 5 years with a Master's degree; or 4 years with a PhD; or equivalent work experience.
• Skill in C++ and Python programming, and familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• Experience with Linux-based development, embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
• Understanding of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware frameworks (e.g., ROS, DDS).
• Direct experience supporting flight demonstrations or live exercises.
• Experience with simulation tools and environments for testing and validation.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills for collaborative, multidisciplinary environments.

Nice to have

• Direct experience supporting unmanned aerial systems or similar flight test campaigns.
• Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight control systems, or GNC pipelines.
• Competence in sensor integration, electronics debugging, or avionics bring-up.
• Skill in developing automation tools for system testing, logging, and data parsing.
• Comfort interacting with DoD stakeholders during field events or technical reviews.
• Experience with UCI and OMS Standards.

Skills & tools

• C++
• Python
• RTOS
• Linux
• Shell scripting
• ROS
• DDS

Practical notes

International teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package specific to their country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.