Payload Integration Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Title: UAS Integration Engineer
Company: Heven AeroTech
Location: Winchester, Virginia
FLSA: Exempt

About Our Company:
At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don't just believe in the power of people—we build our success on it. As a recognized leader in hydrogen-powered drones, we've earned recognition for creating a workplace where innovation thrives, collaboration is second nature, and every employee feels valued. Our culture is anchored in trust and a shared commitment to excellence.

We believe great teams are built on individuals who are humble, hungry, and smart—those who put team success first, take initiative to continuously improve, and demonstrate strong interpersonal awareness. At Heven, your voice matters, your ideas are heard, and your contributions make a tangible impact as you grow through hands-on experience and collaboration across the team.

Role Summary:
The UAS Integration Engineer will serve as a cross-discipline integration resource on Heven Aerotech's multi-rotor program. This role bridges mechanical and electrical domains, providing hands-on integration support across airframe, payload, avionics, and comms subsystems while also serving as a redundant capability across the engineering team on a fast-moving hardware program.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Perform hands-on mechanical and electrical integration of UAS subsystems including payload interfaces, dropping mechanisms, sensors, and comms hardware onto multirotor platforms.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to resolve integration conflicts across subsystem interfaces (mechanical fit, power budget, signal routing, weight).
• Assist in maintaining and updating integration documentation including ICDs, wiring diagrams, weight budgets, and configuration records.
• Support partner and vendor technical coordination by translating system requirements into interface specifications and integration constraints.
• Support NDAA supply chain compliance efforts by assisting in component evaluation.
• Identify and escalate integration risks early, with recommended mitigation approaches

Qualifications & Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field — or equivalent demonstrated experience in lieu of degree.
• 2–6+ years of hands-on UAS integration experience, preferably with Group 1 or Group 2 multirotor platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work across mechanical and electrical domains — candidates with a primary discipline in either ME or EE who have cross-trained on UAS platforms are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Experience physically building, wiring, and flying multirotor UAS systems.
• Familiarity with ArduPilot or PX4 flight controller ecosystems and MAVLink-based payload integration.
• Experience with payload mechanical interface work (mounting hardware, vibration isolation, CG management) and basic avionics wiring (power distribution, signal harnesses, connectors).
• Strong attention to configuration control — able to maintain accurate documentation while working in a fast-moving prototype environment.

Preferred:

• Coursework or project experience in UAS systems, embedded systems, or avionics integration.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and work in confined or awkward positions for extended periods during assembly, integration, and testing activities.
• Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment and components weighing up to 50 pounds independently, and up to 75 pounds with assistance when required.
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills sufficient to assemble, wire, solder, and integrate small electronic and mechanical components.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, and electronic test equipment in a workshop or field environment.
• Visual acuity sufficient to inspect small components, read wiring diagrams, and verify connector/pin alignment.
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including indoor lab spaces, hangars, and outdoor test ranges, which may include exposure to heat, cold, wind, dust, or noise.
• Ability to travel to field test sites and support flight operations as needed, which may include occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends.
• Ability to maintain situational awareness and adhere to safety protocols in environments involving rotating machinery, energized electrical systems, and flight operations.

Benefits Overview: 
Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: 
Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.