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# Systems Integration & Test Engineers

- **Company:** Zone 5 Technologies
- **Location:** San Luis Obispo, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $171,000.0 - $191,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Data Streaming, Systems Architecture, System Testing, Systems Integration, Strategies of Testing, Integration Tests, Modeling and Simulation
- **Published:** September 4, 2026
- **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/systems-integration-and-test-engineer-v-vi-zone-5-technologies-8336913

## About the Role

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering
 * 8-15+ years of experience in aerospace integration/test
 * Deep expertise in embedded systems and system architecture
 * Proven experience leading integration efforts or teams

Preferred

 * Extensive SIL / HIL development experience
 * Flight test leadership experience
 * Experience with complex UAV or autonomous systems
 * Strong background in system architecture and verification

Leveling Signals

 * Owns system-level integration strategy
 * Leads teams and cross-functional efforts
 * Defines processes, not just executes them
 * Trusted technical authority across programs

## Description

At Zone 5 Technologies, Systems Integration & Test Engineers lead the development and execution of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) environments and drive the integration, bring-up, and validation of new technologies and features across programs.

This role is highly hands-on while operating at the system level, working across cross-functional teams to mature, integrate, test, and troubleshoot complex avionics, systems, and subsystems prior to production and flight.

Senior and Principal engineers define integration strategy, system architecture, and test philosophy, ensuring alignment from requirements through validation. You will lead complex integration efforts, own system-level performance and readiness, and serve as the technical authorities responsible for delivering flight-ready capability.

In this role, you are expected to operate with extreme ownership, working effectively across disciplines in a leadership-driven environment, balancing technical execution with strategic direction and team influence.

Responsibilities

Integration Strategy & HITL Architecture

 * Define and architect HITL environments across programs
 * Establish integration standards, processes, and validation strategies
 * Lead complex system integration across avionics, software, and hardware
 * Ensure traceability from requirements to validation

Model-Based & System Validation Leadership

 * Oversee system-level modeling and simulation strategies
 * Guide control validation, system behavior analysis, and verification
 * Drive integration of models into embedded systems

Avionics & System Architecture

 * Define system architectures and interface standards
 * Lead protocol validation, timing architecture, and data flow design
 * Resolve complex cross-system integration challenges

Mechanical & Environmental Integration Oversight

 * Guide packaging strategies for SWaP and thermal constraints
 * Ensure system-level integration viability across environments

Ground & Flight Test Leadership

 * Lead integration test campaigns and readiness reviews
 * Define test plans, success criteria, and risk mitigation strategies
 * Serve as key technical authority during flight test operations


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