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Freelance Avionics Integration Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an Avionics Integration Engineer to support vehicle avionics hardware from design release through assembly, test, and final delivery. In this role, you will be a critical part of a ...

We are seeking an Avionics Integration Engineer to support vehicle avionics hardware from design release through assembly, test, and final delivery. In this role, you will be a critical part of a ...

Proven track record leading engineering teams through complex system integration programs from concept to delivery * Direct experience with avionics system integration, multi-subsystem coordination ...

Avionics Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Lead the integration, bring-up, and testing of avionics hardware and subsystems throughout the ... Collaborate with software engineering to integrate, troubleshoot, and verify ground software ...

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How much do freelance avionics integration engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance avionics integration engineer in the United States is $58.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.43 and $71.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance avionics integration engineers when working with multiple clients or projects simultaneously?

Freelance avionics integration engineers often juggle projects with varying requirements, documentation standards, and communication styles. Balancing deadlines and ensuring compliance with different regulatory frameworks (such as FAA or EASA) can be challenging. Additionally, adapting to each client's proprietary systems and coordinating with diverse teams—including software developers, hardware engineers, and certification specialists—requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Effective time management and clear communication are essential for delivering high-quality results across multiple projects.

What is the difference between Freelance Avionics Integration Engineer vs Aerospace Systems Engineer?

AspectFreelance Avionics Integration EngineerAerospace Systems Engineer
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., FAA, EASA), specialized avionics trainingEngineering degrees (BSc, MSc), often with systems or aerospace focus
Work EnvironmentFreelance, project-based, often remote or on-site at aerospace facilitiesFull-time employment in aerospace companies, government agencies, or research institutions
Industry UsageCommon in aerospace manufacturing, defense, and private aviation projectsUsed across aerospace design, development, testing, and systems integration

While both roles involve aerospace systems, Freelance Avionics Integration Engineers focus on integrating avionics systems on a project basis, often working independently. Aerospace Systems Engineers typically hold full-time positions, overseeing entire aerospace projects and systems design. The freelance role emphasizes specialized avionics skills, whereas the aerospace systems engineer has a broader scope in aerospace engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Avionics Integration Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Avionics Integration Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, avionics systems, and systems integration, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and experience in aerospace environments. Familiarity with technical tools such as CAD software, simulation platforms, and industry standards (like DO-178C/DO-254), as well as certifications such as FAA DER or EASA Part 21, is often required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and manage client expectations. Mastery of these skills ensures safe, efficient integration of complex avionics systems while meeting regulatory and client requirements.

What is a Freelance Avionics Integration Engineer?

A Freelance Avionics Integration Engineer is a specialized professional who works on a contract or project basis to design, install, test, and troubleshoot aircraft electronic systems, known as avionics. They integrate various electronic components such as navigation, communication, and flight control systems to ensure they work together seamlessly within an aircraft. Working independently or with different aerospace companies, they often handle tasks like system upgrades, software integration, and compliance with aviation regulations. Their freelance status allows them flexibility to work with multiple clients and projects, often requiring strong technical skills and up-to-date knowledge of aviation standards.
More about Freelance Avionics Integration Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Avionics Integration Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Avionics Integration Engineer job openings:
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Infographic showing various Freelance Avionics Integration Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,086 per year, or $58.2 per hour.
Avionics Integration & Test Engineer (Starshield)

Avionics Integration & Test Engineer (Starshield)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA

$120K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
AVIONICS INTEGRATION & TEST ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)
Avionics Integration and Test Engineers are responsible for acceptance and qualification tests of our satellite's electrical systems. They must have a deep working knowledge of the satellite's electrical architecture, factory checkouts, and the ability to investigate failed electrical hardware to determine root cause via telemetry and hardware investigations. A successful Avionics Integration and Test Engineer demonstrates engineering intuition and critical thinking and is comfortable working under ambiguous requirements with minimal oversight. The ultimate goal of the Integration and Test team is to ensure that Starshield satellites work properly once deployed into space and achieve their mission.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design and validate electrical ground support equipment for testing Starshield satellites
  • Evaluate non-confirming electrical hardware to determine root cause failure modes and propose design improvements
  • Develop and automate vehicle checkout procedures for both integrated self tests and early-life mortality screens
  • Evaluate proposed flight designs for integration and impacts to vehicle level checkouts
  • Develop and maintain continuous integration test regression systems
  • Interface with software engineers to improve SpaceX developed automation infrastructure
  • Manage integration build flow and test operations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering or physics
  • 1+ years of design and/or hands-on manufacturing experience (internships, collegiate engineering projects such as Formula SAE, Baja SAE, etc., or professional industry experience will be considered)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance
  • Master's degree in an engineering discipline
  • Experience with MATLAB, python, or other programming language
  • Experience with integration and testing of avionics, propulsion, thermal, and/or structural systems
  • Documentation and configuration management experience
  • Experience writing test plans, procedures and providing go/no-go judgment and rationale
  • Experience in a production environment
  • Demonstrated engineering intuition, critical thinking, comfort with ambiguity

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Some travel to other SpaceX sites may be required as needed, up to 10%
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed to meet mission-critical deadlines
  • This position is very hands-on and requires one to be on their feet for extended periods of time, up to 4 hours at a time
  • Will often work side by side with our technicians and must be able to climb ladders, stoop, bend, crawl, and work in tight spaces
  • An active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions; if so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Avionics Test Engineer/Level I: $105,000.00 - $122,500.00/per year
Avionics Test Engineer/Level II: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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