Sr Systems Engineer, Integration & Flight Test

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services.Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.The Senior Systems Engineer will lead the integration, test, and fielding of avionics and mission systems for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). This role goes beyond design, focusing heavily on hands-on system integration, flight test execution, and rapid iteration in real-world environments.The ideal candidate brings experience working across electrical, software, and mechanical domains, with a strong understanding of how complex subsystems come together in operational unmanned platforms. This position plays a critical role in ensuring systems are not only well-designed, but also deployable, testable, and production-ready.Job ResponsibilitiesLead end-to-end system integration of avionics, electronics, and mission systems for UAVs and USVs, from lab bring-up through field deployment and flight test.Plan and execute ground and flight test activities, including test procedure development, data collection, troubleshooting, and post-test analysis.Integrate and validate COTS autopilots, flight control systems, stores management systems, and communications/GCS links.Define and manage electrical, mechanical, and software interfaces, ensuring compatibility and performance across subsystems.Collaborate closely with electrical, software, and mechanical engineering teams to resolve integration issues and drive system-level solutions.Support rapid prototyping and iterative development, including hardware bring-up, debugging, and system tuning in lab and field environments.Assist in requirements development, ensuring traceability from system-level requirements through validation and verification.Identify and mitigate technical risks through hands-on testing, experimentation, and system-level analysis.Support transition from prototype to production, ensuring designs are robust, manufacturable, and scalable.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.10+ years of experience in systems engineering, integration, or test, preferably in aerospace, defense, or unmanned systems.Demonstrated experience supporting hardware integration and flight/field testing, not just system design.Ability to work effectively across electrical, software, and mechanical disciplines in a fast-paced environment.Hands-on experience integrating and testing:COTS autopilots and flight control systems Communications systems and Ground Control Stations (GCS) Stores management systems and payload integrations Electrical and mechanical interfaces across subsystems Familiarity with embedded systems, firmware interaction, and system-level debugging Experience working with sensors, navigation systems, and mission payloads Ability to travel (domestic and internationally) and obtain a passport. Due to federal contract requirements, candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C.1324b(a)(3).SkillsStrong system-level troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose issues across hardware and software boundariesAbility to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and interface control documents (ICDs)Experience with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power supplies, etc.) and field test setupsFamiliarity with integration labs, HIL/SIL environments, and flight test instrumentationStrong communication skills and ability to coordinate across multidisciplinary teamsComfortable working in fast-paced, iterative development environments with evolving requirementsAbility to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and mission successPhysical RequirementsMust have the ability to lift and/or carry 45 lbs.Ability to work for extended periods at computer workstation/keyboard.Ability to type accurately and efficiently.The position will require walking, standing, squatting, crouching, stooping, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, sitting, repetitive motion and kneeling.Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.