Software Integration Lead New

Zone 5 Tech; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 167,000 - 192,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401k with company match

3 weeks PTO + 12 holidays

Job summary

Zone 5 Technologies is seeking a Software Integration Engineer to develop, integrate, verify, and validate software systems for unmanned aircraft. You will plan tests, analyze data, and collaborate with GNC, avionics, software, and flight-test teams to ensure safe, reliable aircraft performance.

The role emphasizes V&V, HITL/SITL, data acquisition, and MBSE practices in a fast-paced prototype environment, with U.S. security clearance required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field.
• Strong test engineering methodologies and data analysis skills.
• Experience with aircraft systems and avionics integration.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink.
• Ability to obtain/maintain U.S. security clearance.
• U.S. Person status under ITAR.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate software/hardware interface integration and tests.
• Develop and execute system-level integration and verification tests.
• Troubleshoot failures using telemetry, logs, and diagnostics.
• Support HITL, SITL, iron-bird, ground and flight testing.
• Generate test reports and compliance evidence.
• Organize configuration artifacts for software and hardware.

Skills

C/C++

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Flight dynamics

Test engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, or Computer Engineering

Tools

VxWorks

INTEGRITY

RTOS environments

DO-178C

Job description

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

The Software Integration Engineer is an individual contributor role responsible for the development, integration, verification, and validation of Software systems. The engineer will plan and support laboratory, ground and flight tests; analyze test data; and work closely with GNC, avionics, software, systems, and flight test teams to ensure safe and reliable aircraft performance.

The ideal candidate combines:

• Verification & Validation (V&V)
• Hardware – in – the – loop (HITL)
• Software – in – the – loop (SITL)
• Data Acquisition systems
• Simulation & Modeling
• Model-Based Design
• Requirements Management
• Test Automation

Responsibilities:

Software Test

• Facilitate integration of software and hardware interfaces.
• Develop and execute system-level integration and verification tests
• Troubleshoot failures using test data, telemetry, logs, and system diagnostics.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), software-in-the-loop (SITL), iron-bird, simulator, ground, and flight testing.
• Monitor test execution and ensure compliance with safety requirements and test objectives.
• Investigate anomalies, identify root causes, and support corrective actions.
• Generate test reports, artifacts, and compliance evidence
• Organize hardware and software configuration artifacts

Integration & Technical Leadership

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including software, systems, controls, guidance, and hardware engineers.
• Lead and own integration of software into existing and new products.
• Mentor and train junior level engineers, fostering technical growth and team collaboration.
• Identify personnel needs, take a lead role in hiring and onboarding
• Drive effective communication and alignment across engineering disciplines to meet project objectives.
• Integrate feedback from Test and Evaluation, and Production into procedures and test plans.
• Develop technical documentation, test procedures, and performance reports
• Support integration events, flight testing, field testing, and mission operations as needed.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Research emerging technologies and recommend improvements to current integration activities.
• Operate effectively in fast-paced prototype and development environments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Strong understanding of test engineering methodologies, data analysis techniques, requirements – based testing, flight dynamics and stability, and flight control systems.
• Understanding of aircraft systems and avionics integration.
• Strong proficiency in one or more of the following C/C++, Python, MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience with simulation and modeling tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to interpret technical requirements and develop corresponding test procedures
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with autonomous aircraft, UAVs, missiles, or robotic systems.
• Understanding of guidance, navigation, and control architectures.
• Familiarity with DO-178C, DO-160 and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
• Experience with software-in-the-loop (SITL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) systems.
• Experience with flight-critical or safety-critical software.
• Familiarity with VxWorks, INTEGRITY, or other RTOS environments.
• Experience with DevOps workflows and automated infrastructure.
• Familiarity with ROS/ROS2, DDS, MAVLink, or aerospace communications systems.
• Experience supporting flight tests or operational deployments.

Pay range for this role

$167,000 - $192,000 USD

What’s in it for you:

• Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company-match
• 3 weeks of paid time off each year
• 40 hours of sick time
• 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

• Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E‑Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E‑Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E‑Verify:https://www.e‑verify.gov .

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