Payload Integration Project Engineer
Apply NowCompany: Edge Autonomy
Location: Huntsville, AL 35810
Description:
Description
WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA or Huntsville, AL
SALARY RANGE: $125,000 - $190,000
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
ABOUT EDGE
Edge is a recognized leader across uncrewed aircraft systems, power solutions, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance solutions through leading-edge technologies. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence. Our expertise in these areas allows us to deliver advanced, reliable, and effective solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. At Edge, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment where creativity and technical prowess converge to solve some of the industry's most complex challenges.
SUMMARY
Edge is seeking a highly experienced Payload Integration Project Engineer to lead the execution of UAS (Uncrewed Aircraft Systems) projects from concept through production. This role requires a strong technical background in UAS systems, project management expertise, and the ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of overall experience, including 3+ years specifically in a Project Engineer (PE) role. This position requires someone who can take ownership of projects, align team efforts with organizational goals, and ensure successful delivery on time and within budget.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.
Lead end-to-end payload integration, including airborne and ground control system components, ensuring seamless communication and functionality.
Develop and execute integration plans, including mechanical, electrical, and software interfacing of payloads with the aircraft platform.
Work with cross-functional teams to ensure power, data, and mechanical compatibility between payloads and aircraft systems.
Manage hardware and software integration, including configuring data links, control interfaces, and real-time system monitoring.
Develop test procedures and conduct ground and flight testing to validate payload functionality and mission performance.
Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and software issues related to payload integration and work collaboratively to develop solutions.
Ensure compliance with aircraft weight and balance considerations, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and environmental constraints.
Interface with customers, program managers, and stakeholders to define payload requirements and ensure successful implementation.
Provide technical expertise in sensor integration, imaging systems, RF payloads, and advanced mission payloads.
Support documentation and certification efforts, ensuring compliance with DoD, FAA, and internal standards.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field or equivalent experience.
Master's degree in Engineering, or a related field is preferred. High School Diploma/GED
Experience in payload integration for aerospace, defense, or UAS platforms.
Strong knowledge of electrical and mechanical integration, including power distribution, data interfaces, and control systems.
Proficiency in payload communication protocols, such as Ethernet, Serial (RS-232/422/485), MIL-STD-1553, or CAN bus.
Experience working with ground control systems, including command-and-control (C2) software and data link integration.
Familiarity with EMI shielding, RF interference mitigation, and environmental qualification testing.
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills in hardware-software integration.
5+ years of experience in payload integration, avionics, or systems engineering, with direct experience in aerospace or defense applications.
Hands-on experience in UAS, ISR systems, or defense-related payloads.
Proven experience in ground and flight testing, including test plan development and execution.
Strong technical leadership and project management skills.
Effective problem-solving and analytical thinking in complex integration challenges.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to interface with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
Highly detail-oriented and organized, with experience managing technical documentation and certification processes.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience supporting DoD programs with a focus on payload performance optimization.
Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers within the team.
Adaptability to work in dynamic, high-priority environments with shifting technical challenges
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.
EDGE AUTONOMY BENEFITS
HIRING REQUIREMENTS
If an offer of employment offer is extended, applicant must have the ability to pass a background check and the ability to be insured by the Company's Auto-policy. An Offer of Employment is contingent upon the results.
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.
EDGE AUTONOMY 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. Edge Autonomy 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 [email protected]
Continued employment remains on an "At-Will" basis.
WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA or Huntsville, AL
SALARY RANGE: $125,000 - $190,000
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
ABOUT EDGE
Edge is a recognized leader across uncrewed aircraft systems, power solutions, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance solutions through leading-edge technologies. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence. Our expertise in these areas allows us to deliver advanced, reliable, and effective solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. At Edge, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment where creativity and technical prowess converge to solve some of the industry's most complex challenges.
SUMMARY
Edge is seeking a highly experienced Payload Integration Project Engineer to lead the execution of UAS (Uncrewed Aircraft Systems) projects from concept through production. This role requires a strong technical background in UAS systems, project management expertise, and the ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of overall experience, including 3+ years specifically in a Project Engineer (PE) role. This position requires someone who can take ownership of projects, align team efforts with organizational goals, and ensure successful delivery on time and within budget.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.
Lead end-to-end payload integration, including airborne and ground control system components, ensuring seamless communication and functionality.
Develop and execute integration plans, including mechanical, electrical, and software interfacing of payloads with the aircraft platform.
Work with cross-functional teams to ensure power, data, and mechanical compatibility between payloads and aircraft systems.
Manage hardware and software integration, including configuring data links, control interfaces, and real-time system monitoring.
Develop test procedures and conduct ground and flight testing to validate payload functionality and mission performance.
Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and software issues related to payload integration and work collaboratively to develop solutions.
Ensure compliance with aircraft weight and balance considerations, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and environmental constraints.
Interface with customers, program managers, and stakeholders to define payload requirements and ensure successful implementation.
Provide technical expertise in sensor integration, imaging systems, RF payloads, and advanced mission payloads.
Support documentation and certification efforts, ensuring compliance with DoD, FAA, and internal standards.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field or equivalent experience.
Master's degree in Engineering, or a related field is preferred. High School Diploma/GED
Experience in payload integration for aerospace, defense, or UAS platforms.
Strong knowledge of electrical and mechanical integration, including power distribution, data interfaces, and control systems.
Proficiency in payload communication protocols, such as Ethernet, Serial (RS-232/422/485), MIL-STD-1553, or CAN bus.
Experience working with ground control systems, including command-and-control (C2) software and data link integration.
Familiarity with EMI shielding, RF interference mitigation, and environmental qualification testing.
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills in hardware-software integration.
5+ years of experience in payload integration, avionics, or systems engineering, with direct experience in aerospace or defense applications.
Hands-on experience in UAS, ISR systems, or defense-related payloads.
Proven experience in ground and flight testing, including test plan development and execution.
Strong technical leadership and project management skills.
Effective problem-solving and analytical thinking in complex integration challenges.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to interface with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
Highly detail-oriented and organized, with experience managing technical documentation and certification processes.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience supporting DoD programs with a focus on payload performance optimization.
Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers within the team.
Adaptability to work in dynamic, high-priority environments with shifting technical challenges
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.
EDGE AUTONOMY 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
HIRING REQUIREMENTS
If an offer of employment offer is extended, applicant must have the ability to pass a background check and the ability to be insured by the Company's Auto-policy. An Offer of Employment is contingent upon the results.
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.
EDGE AUTONOMY 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. Edge Autonomy 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 [email protected]
Continued employment remains on an "At-Will" basis.