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Avionics Integration Engineer

Oxnard, California, United States

Swarm Aero is redefining air power, building the largest swarming UAV and the most versatile swarming aircraft network in the world. The company is moving quickly to launch the first aircraft designed specifically for swarming, as well as the Command & Control software to mobilize swarms of thousands of heterogeneous autonomous assets and empower human operators to achieve superhuman results.

The team has created and exited multiple startups, negotiated defense deals worth billions of dollars, and designed and built 30+ novel aircraft, with aerospace experience from Scaled Composites, SpaceX, Airbus, Archer Aviation, Blue Origin, and Boom Supersonic.

THE ROLE

Swarm Aero is seeking an experienced Aviation Integration Engineer to join our rapidly growing engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for bridging the gap between airframe hardware, avionics, propulsion, and the software systems that make autonomous swarming possible. You will serve as a key technical integrator — ensuring that all aircraft subsystems work together seamlessly from early development through flight test and operational deployment. This is a rare opportunity to shape the architecture of a first-of-its-kind swarming aircraft platform.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Lead systems integration efforts across airframe, avionics, propulsion, payload, and C2 interfaces for swarming UAV platforms.
  • Define, document, and maintain interface control documents (ICDs) and integration specifications for all major vehicle subsystems.
  • Develop and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and vehicle-level integration test plans to validate subsystem performance and interoperability.
  • Collaborate with flight software, GNC, structures, and electrical teams to resolve integration issues and ensure compatibility across disciplines.
  • Own integration and verification activities from bench testing through ground test and first flight, tracking issues to closure.
  • Support aircraft assembly, wiring harness integration, and sensor calibration during prototype build phases.
  • Establish and maintain integration standards, tools, and traceability frameworks to support rapid iteration and certification readiness.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers on integration processes and best practices.
  • Coordinate with regulatory and airworthiness teams to ensure integration approaches meet DoD and FAA certification requirements.

WHAT YOU'VE DONE

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
  • 7+ years of experience in aircraft systems integration, avionics integration, or a closely related role.
  • Defined and managed ICDs for complex multi-subsystem aircraft platforms from development through flight.
  • Led integration test campaigns including HIL, ground systems testing, and first-flight readiness reviews.
  • Developed deep familiarity with avionics architectures, data buses (MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, CAN, Ethernet), and autopilot integration.
  • Experience working in agile hardware development environments with rapid prototype cycles.
  • Familiarity with aviation industry standards and DoD certification requirements (MIL-SPEC, DO-178, DO-254 awareness).

WHAT SETS YOU APART

  • Experience integrating autonomous or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), particularly in defense or dual-use contexts.
  • Hands-on experience with flight software integration, GNC sensor suites (IMU, GPS, barometry), and payload interfaces.
  • Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as Cameo or similar.
  • Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines — hardware, software, and operations — in small, fast-moving teams.
  • Experience with PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter) and configuration management in a hardware development environment.
  • Strong communication and documentation skills; able to translate complex integration issues across engineering and leadership audiences.
  • Prior flight test experience and comfort operating in dynamic, resource-constrained environments.

COMPENSATION

$150,000 - $200,000 + Equity

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Meaningful equity stake in a high-growth defense technology company
  • Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
  • Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
  • PTO and paid sick time
  • Monthly Wellness Stipend
  • Daily catered lunch to office
  • Paid parental leave
  • Direct impact opportunity — be a key leader in building a critical technology for national security
  • World-class team — work alongside exceptional engineers and operators solving hard problems

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy work environment, Swarm Aero conducts a thorough screening of prospective employees. Candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background verification process as a prerequisite for employment.

To conform to U.S. Government controlled technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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