Flight Integration Engineer

Eliassen Group; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 156,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company matching

Life insurance

Job summary

ELIassen Group is seeking a Flight Integration Engineer to merge autonomy software into unmanned aircraft systems and ensure flight readiness across lab and field environments. You will pre-flight prepare, support on-site flight tests, debug hardware and software, and analyze data with cross-functional teams to enable reliable autonomous capabilities.

The role requires hands-on systems integration, strong troubleshooting, and willingness to travel regularly to test sites.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical or Aerospace Eng or equivalent.
• 7+ years with bachelor’s, 5+ with master’s, or 4+ with PhD in related field.
• Proficient in C++ and Python, RTOS familiarity, Linux and ROS/DDS.

Responsibilities

• Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems across onboard compute, sensors and interfaces.
• Own build, configuration and validation for flight-ready systems and mission readiness.
• Support on-site flight tests with safety checks, bring-up and time-critical debugging.
• Diagnose issues across autonomy stacks and embedded systems in lab and field.
• Capture flight data and analyze to refine autonomy behaviors.
• Collaborate with autonomy, GNC, systems and test teams on validation.
• Develop tools to improve integration timelines, reliability and efficiency.
• Support documentation and system-level validation for certification and airworthiness.
• Travel 30–40% to office sites, customer sites and flight events.

Skills

C++ programming

Python programming

RTOS familiarity

Linux development

Shell scripting

ROS middleware

DDS middleware

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ROS

DDS

AFSIM

NGTS

Job description

Description:

On-site in either Washington, DC or Boston, MA or San Diego, CA

Our client seeks a Flight Integration Engineer who will integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems and support flight readiness across lab and field environments. The role includes pre-flight preparation, on-site flight test support, hardware and software debugging, data capture and analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable autonomous capabilities. The position requires hands-on systems integration, strong troubleshooting skills, and regular travel to test sites.

Due to client requirements, applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $75.00 to $90.00/hr. w2

Responsibilities:

• Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
• Own build, configuration, and validation for flight-ready systems and ensure mission readiness.
• Support on-site flight tests including safety checks, system bring-up, and time-critical troubleshooting.
• Diagnose and resolve issues across autonomy stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments.
• Capture flight data and conduct post-test analysis to refine autonomy behaviors and identify improvements.
• Collaborate with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to deliver validated mission-critical functionality.
• Develop tools and processes that improve integration timelines, reliability, and team efficiency.
• Support documentation and system-level validation for certification, airworthiness, and compliance.
• Travel 30–40% to office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events.

Experience Requirements:

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar, or equivalent experience.
• Typically 7+ years with a Bachelor’s, or 5+ years with a Master’s, or 4+ years with a PhD, or equivalent work experience.
• Proficient in C++ and Python with familiarity in RTOS.
• Proficient in Linux development, embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
• Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware such as ROS and DDS.
• Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.
• Experience with simulation tools such as AFSIM or NGTS for testing and validation.
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
• Effective communication and teamwork in multidisciplinary environments.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
• Preferred: experience with UAS flight test campaigns, autonomy stacks, flight control or GNC pipelines, electronics debugging or avionics bring-up, automation tools for testing and data parsing, interfacing with DoD stakeholders, and knowledge of UCI and OMS standards.

Education Requirements:

BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar, or equivalent experience.