Electrical Systems Engineer (Payload Integration, Senior to Staff level)

WORK LOCATION: Huntsville, AL

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $125,000 to $165,000 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. 

SUMMARY

Redwire Defense Tech is seeking an Integration Engineer with a strong focus on electrical systems integration to support payload integration on Group 2/3 Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). This role is hands-on and centers on electrical power distribution, signal integrity, avionics interfaces, embedded electronics and EMI/EMC performance for complex payload systems.

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Execute end-to-end payload integration, including airborne and ground control system components, ensuring seamless communication and functionality.
• Design and validate power distribution and harnessing for payloads, including connectors, cabling and pinouts.
• Own signal integrity and interface validation for high-speed and mixed-signal payload interfaces.
• Define, execute, and document EMI/EMC test strategies, including mitigation and corrective actions.
• Perform electrical troubleshooting down to board, harness, and component level using lab instrumentation.
• Review and contribute to schematics, wiring diagrams, ICDs and electrical drawings.
• Support environmental and electrical qualification testing (thermal, vibration, power transients).
• Integrate avionics and mission payloads with emphasis on electrical interfaces, power distribution, timing and data integrity between flight controllers and embedded subsystems.
• Develop test procedures and conduct ground and flight testing to validate payload functionality and mission performance.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical and avionics system issues, including power faults, signal integrity problems, grounding issues and interface mismatches.
• 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.
• 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

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering,  Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering or a related technical field.
• 5 years’ relevant experience, preferably in payload integration for aerospace, defense or UAS platforms.
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems integration, including power distribution, avionics interfaces, grounding, EMI/EMC and embedded electronics.
• Hands-on experience with electrical integration of airborne payloads or avionics systems
• Experience producing or reviewing electrical ICDs and wiring documentation
• 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 multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
• Highly detail-oriented and organized, with experience managing technical documentation and certification processes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related field
• 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 payloads.
• Knowledge of ITAR, MIL-STD and FAA certification requirements for payload integration.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH 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

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.