Systems Integration & Test Engineer (End to End Drone)

The AIRO Group; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The AIRO Group seeks a Lead SEIT Engineer to architect autonomous aviation and drive flight technology from concept to field deployment.

You will lead cross‑discipline integration, develop verification plans, and build testing infrastructure for UAS in demanding defense environments.

This hands‑on role requires 5+ years in aerospace/defense SEIT, strong Python/C/C++, and experience with HIL/SIL and DO-178C style practices.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Aerospace, Electrical, Computer, or Systems Engineering with 5+ years in aerospace/defense SEIT.
• Experience building drone designs from scratch to field deployment.
• Proficient in Python, C/C++, Git; Docker experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop V&V Plans mapping requirements to test cases and traceability artifacts.
• Lead interface integration across electronics, firmware, mechanical, software, and network domains.
• Plan, schedule, and execute all testing phases for air vehicle systems.
• Design, build, and maintain test benches, wiring harnesses, and fixtures.
• Implement HIL/SIL environments to test control logic.
• Create automated and manual test frameworks for rapid software changes.
• Collaborate with flight operations and customer teams during live testing campaigns.

Skills

Python

Robot Framework

C/C++

Git

Docker

Education

Aerospace/ Electrical/ Computer/ Systems Engineering degree

Tools

Python

Job description

Systems Integration & Test Engineer (End to End Drone)

Build the Future With Us

At AIRO, we bring together aircraft, autonomy, avionics, and mission services into one integrated platform designed for the environments where failure is not an option. Our technology supports contested logistics, tactical and long-range ISTAR, and operations that demand precision under pressure, so the people who depend on it can get where they need to be when it matters most. Here, you will work alongside innovators, engineers, operators, and industry leaders who share a passion for solving hard problems and building what comes next in aerospace and defense.

Join us and be part of something extraordinary.

Position Overview

Are you ready to architect the future of autonomous aviation and lead mission‑critical flight technology from a blank canvas to active field deployment? AIRO Group is seeking a high‑impact Lead SEIT (Systems Engineering, Integration, & Test) Engineer to spearhead the complete technical lifecycle, validation, and operational deployment of our next‑generation Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS). This role serves as the ultimate engineering bridge, fusing cutting‑edge software autonomy with ruggedized flight hardware to ensure unyielding interoperability, safety, and battlefield readiness. As a hands‑on technical leader, you will initially dive deep into execution—building the automated testing pipelines, defining physical interfaces, and driving the live flight validation protocols that guarantee airworthiness. If you thrive on taking complex drone designs from concept (0) through rugged environmental testing and directly into the hands of operators, this is your opportunity to build, test, and field the future of flight.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop V&V Plans: Author and maintain comprehensive system‑level integration and verification plans mapping requirements directly to test cases and traceability artifacts.
• Lead Cross-Discipline Integration: Drive interface integration across electronics, firmware, mechanical, software, and network domains to resolve technical ambiguities and ensure complete interoperability.
• Manage Full‑Lifecycle Testing: Plan, schedule, and execute all phases of testing, including Integration, System, Performance, Regression, and Acceptance verification at the complete Air Vehicle systems level.
• Architect Test Infrastructure: Design, build, and maintain integration test benches, custom wiring harnesses, and physical fixtures to validate hardware interfaces under realistic conditions.
• Deploy HIL/SIL Environments: Implement Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) emulation environments to actively exercise control logic and autonomous fault handling.
• Build Automated Frameworks: Create and deploy automated and manual test frameworks (unit, integration, regression) to ensure rapid software modifications do not break baseline system capabilities.
• Collaborate on Field Deployments: Work alongside engineering, flight operations, and customer teams to align on test scope, coordinate schedules, and analyze real‑time telemetry during live testing campaigns

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Aerospace, Electrical, Computer, or Systems Engineering with 5+ years of progressive, hands‑on experience in aerospace, defense, or high‑reliability robotics SEIT environments.
• Deep practical knowledge of structural, electrical, and software sub‑assemblies, including a proven track record of taking a drone design from scratch through hands‑on builds.
• Direct experience developing testing infrastructure using programming languages and tools such as Python, Robot Framework, C/C++, Git, and Docker.
• Deep proficiency utilizing lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, digital multimeters) and software debugging tools to isolate hardware‑software faults.
• Demonstrated success driving rapid R&D drone prototypes through rigorous flight qualification and scaled operational environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience managing or mentoring junior systems and test engineers.
• Deep familiarity with PX4 Autopilot, ArduPilot, ROS2, and MAVLink protocols.
• Experience conducting system‑level SWaP‑C trade studies and requirements allocation.
• Deep working knowledge of MIL‑STD, DO‑178C, DO‑254, or FAA compliance.
• Experience integrating hardware alongside Python and Linux test tooling.
• Knowledge of systems processes for test event design and flight planning.
• Proficiency using data analysis tools to develop performance assessments and evaluations

Security & Compliance

• Comply with all company information, security policies and procedures
• Ensure proper handling and protection of proprietary information
• Share information only on a need‑to‑know basis
• Adhere to company non‑disclosure requirements

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods
• Ability to use hands and fingers for manual dexterity and repetitive tasks
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, and lift as required by the position
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, or pull objects within the requirements of the position
• Ability to perform the visual, auditory, and communication requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position
• Ability to work safely in the physical and environmental conditions applicable to the position

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee may also be asked to perform other reasonably related job duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor as required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed. The AIRO Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.