Senior Systems Integration Specialist

Description

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Leidos' Defense Systems is seeking a Sr Systems Integration Specialist to join our Small Airborne Effectors Division within the Kinetic Effects Business Area. This is a team of more than 200 professionals responsible for developing, testing, and producing small airborne missiles, UAS, and payload effectors for a diverse set of customers including the US Special Operations Forces, US Air Force, and US Army.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions. To explore and learn more, click here!

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Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly experienced, hands-on Senior Systems Integration & Avionics Engineer to support a broad range of integration, maintenance, inspection, troubleshooting, and flight operations activities for Group 1-3 UAS, airborne effectors, and associated payload systems.

This role is embedded in a multi-disciplinary rapid prototype environment where systems move quickly from concept to integration, flight test, and production transition. The successful candidate will bring strong avionics and integration experience, a mission-first mindset, and the flexibility to support multiple programs simultaneously while maintaining organization, efficiency, and clear communication across teams.

In addition to technical responsibilities, the role may include direct flight operations support and crew functions such as crew chief duties, launcher maintenance/operation, and support of prototype evaluations as mission needs evolve.

Key Responsibilities:

Integrate avionics, sensors, control systems, and payload electronics into Group 1-3 UAS platforms, including installation, wiring, mounting, alignment, configuration, documentation, and functional checks.

Support UAS flight operations through pre-flight/post-flight inspections, mission readiness checks, troubleshooting during flight-line operations, and rapid turnaround maintenance.

Perform inspection, servicing, troubleshooting, repair, and calibration of avionics and instrument systems (navigation, communications, flight-control electronics, sensors, data links, and power systems).

Diagnose system faults and anomalies using schematics, wiring diagrams, technical manuals, and electronic test equipment.

Conduct post-integration testing, system-level functional checks, and flight-line acceptance checks to validate system performance and airworthiness.

Maintain detailed maintenance, inspection, and repair records; track discrepancies, corrective actions, and repair history.

Support and maintain Ground Support Equipment (GSE), launcher systems, and related support hardware, including setup, teardown, inspection, and safe operation.

Participate in prototype design efforts, providing integration-driven input to influence system architecture, maintainability, and operational reliability.

Support prototype-to-production transition, including tooling setup, development of work instructions, and build process documentation.

Provide field support, sustainment, end-user technical support, and training once production systems are fielded.

Work across multiple concurrent programs, organizing priorities and communicating integration strategies to maintain efficiency, schedule alignment, and mission readiness.

Coordinate effectively with flight teams and operational personnel, recognizing that field teams are not always engineering-focused and require clear, practical communication.

Mentor junior engineers and technicians; support on-the-job training (OJT) and best-practice development.

Ensure compliance with safety regulations, standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical orders, and record-keeping standards.

Perform additional duties and support other tasks as assigned, required, or desired based on evolving mission needs.

Required Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED required and 12 years of experience; Associate's and 10 years of experience or Bachelor's degree in avionics, aerospace, electrical engineering, electronics, and 8 years of experience.

Senior-level hands-on experience (typically 8+ years) in avionics integration, troubleshooting, maintenance, and airborne system integration (UAS, crewed aircraft, or missile systems).

Demonstrated experience supporting UAS flight operations, including flight-line troubleshooting, inspections, and mission support.

Strong integration experience with avionics and instrument systems including installation, repair, calibration, testing, and documentation.

Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, technical manuals, and installation drawings.

Proficiency with electronic diagnostic equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, etc.), hand tools, and power tools.

Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently in high-tempo environments.

Proven ability to work across multiple programs simultaneously while maintaining organization and communicating priorities clearly.

Effective verbal and written communication skills with both technical and non-technical teams.

Willingness to travel and/or deploy as required to support flight operations and field support.

Ability to work irregular schedules as mission or flight operations demand.

Must possess and maintain a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

Must possess and maintain an FAA Class II Medical Certificate (or equivalent).

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with Group 1-3 UAS platforms and integration of sensors, payloads, datalinks, autopilot systems, and navigation systems.

Familiarity with ArduPilot, PX4, or similar autopilot ecosystems.

Experience supporting launcher systems, missile integration, or airborne effector platforms.

Experience contributing to prototype design efforts and rapid development cycles.

Experience transitioning prototype systems to production environments, including development of work instructions and build processes.

Experience generating or reviewing preliminary schematics and integration layouts using CAD or technical diagram tools (SolidWorks, Altium, Visio, DrawIO, etc.).

FAA A&P with avionics experience, military avionics MOS background, or equivalent training/certifications.

Experience mentoring junior engineers, technicians, or end-user personnel

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

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Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.