Payload Integration Jobs in Athens, AL (NOW HIRING)

WORK LOCATION: Huntsville, AL

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $120,000 to $150,000 per annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

SUMMARY

Redwire Defense Tech is seeking a skilled Integration Engineer to support the integration of payload systems on Group 2/3 Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). This role is hands-on and technically focused, experience across electrical and mechanical engineering disciplines is highly desired.

The Integration Engineer will be directly responsible for integrating and validating gimbal payloads, lethality payloads, radios, and other mission systems. Key activities include conducting hardware/software integration, running and documenting integration and software tests, troubleshooting system-level issues, and ensuring payloads are fully compatible with aircraft performance and mission requirements.

This position also requires strong collaboration with customers, internal engineering teams, and external partners to support demonstrations, resolve integration challenges, and ensure readiness for fielding.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

• Execute end-to-end integration of payload systems, including airborne and ground control system components, ensuring seamless functionality and communication.
• Integrate avionics, mission payloads, flight controllers, radios, and embedded subsystems while meeting reliability, safety, and performance requirements.
• Develop test procedures and conduct ground and flight testing to validate payload functionality, mission performance, and system compatibility.
• Lead and collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to design and develop integrated solutions
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, mechanical, avionics, embedded software, and system-level integration issues in both laboratory and field environments.
• Translate mission and customer requirements into technical integration specifications, test plans, and implementation solutions.
• Analyze test results, validate performance against requirements, and provide technical recommendations for system improvements.
• Collaborate with customers, internal engineering teams, manufacturing, and external partners to resolve integration challenges and support demonstrations and fielding activities.
• Develop and maintain integration documentation, test reports, user guides, and certification support materials in partnership with technical writing teams.
• Ensure payload integration compliance with aircraft performance requirements, including weight and balance, electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC), environmental constraints, and applicable DoD, FAA, and internal standards.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in payload integration, systems integration or related engineering roles within the Aerospace, Defense or UAS industries.

• Experience integrating payloads, avionics, mission systems, or embedded subsystems on UAS, aerospace, or defense platforms.
• Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical system integration, including power distribution, signal and data interfaces, electromechanical assemblies, and control systems.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex hardware-software integration issues involving sensors, payloads, avionics, communications systems, and embedded devices.
• Hands-on experience working with UAS, ISR, or other defense-related mission payloads in laboratory, test, or operational environments.
• Experience developing test procedures and executing ground and flight tests to validate system performance, functionality, and mission requirements.
• Ability to analyze test data, identify root causes of system integration issues, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Strong technical communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines and engage with customers, government stakeholders, and external partners.
• Experience creating and maintaining technical documentation, including integration procedures, test reports, troubleshooting guides, and certification support materials.
• Knowledge of aircraft integration considerations, including payload compatibility, weight and balance impacts, environmental constraints, and electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) principles.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in engineering, or a related field is preferred. 
• Experience supporting DoD programs with a focus on payload performance optimization. 
• Proficiency in payload communication protocols, such as Ethernet, Serial (RS-232/422/485), MIL-STD-1553, or CAN bus.
• Familiarity with EMI shielding, RF interference mitigation, and environmental qualification testing. 
• Adaptability to work in dynamic, high-priority environments with shifting technical challenges
• Experience integrating advanced ISR sensors, EO/IR systems, radar, and electronic warfare (EW) payloads.
• Knowledge of ITAR, MIL-STD, and FAA certification requirements for payload integration.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.