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# Staff Engineer, Software - Autonomous Aircraft Integration (R4983)

- **Company:** HRU Tech
- **Location:** Washington, DC, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Linux, Middleware, Python (Programming Language), Performance Tuning, Real-Time Operating Systems, Sensor Fusion, Shell Script, System Testing, Systems Integration, Data Logging, Reliability of Systems, Build Management, Information Technology, Integration Frameworks
- **Published:** September 30, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=cef76eb6c567c674

## About the Role

* BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent practical experience may also be considered.
 * Typically 7+ years of related experience with a Bachelors degree, 5+ years with a Masters degree, or 4+ years with a PhD, or equivalent professional experience.
 * Strong programming skills in C++ and Python.
 * Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS).
 * Strong experience working in Linux-based development environments.
 * Experience with embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
 * Knowledge of sensor integration and sensor fusion.
 * Experience with middleware frameworks such as ROS and/or DDS.
 * Hands-on experience supporting flight demonstrations or live exercises.
 * Experience with simulation and validation environments such as AFSIM and/or NGTS.
 * Strong systems-level troubleshooting and performance optimization skills.
 * Strong communication and teamwork skills with the ability to operate effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
 * Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

 * Direct experience with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or similar flight-test programs.
 * Familiarity with autonomy stacks, flight-control systems, and/or GNC pipelines.
 * Experience with sensor integration, electronics troubleshooting, avionics integration, or system bring-up.
 * Experience developing automation tools for system testing, logging, diagnostics, and data parsing.
 * Experience working directly with DoD customers or stakeholders during field events, demonstrations, or technical reviews.
 * Experience with UCI and OMS standards.

Travel
Approximately 3040% travel is expected to support customer sites, flight-test locations, other company facilities, and integration events.
#HRUProfessional

## Description

The Flight Integration Engineer is responsible for deploying advanced autonomy solutions onto unmanned platforms and ensuring those systems perform reliably in real-world flight environments.
This role sits at the intersection of hardware, software, autonomy, and systems engineering, bridging the gap between R&D and operational deployment. The engineer will integrate autonomy software with onboard compute, sensors, avionics, and control systems; prepare platforms for flight; support live testing; and troubleshoot mission-critical issues in both laboratory and field environments.
This is a highly hands-on position suited for an engineer who enjoys complex system integration, rapid problem-solving, and working directly with unmanned aircraft., * Autonomy System Integration: Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft, ensuring reliable operation across onboard compute, sensors, control interfaces, and supporting hardware.

 * Flight System Preparation: Own system build, configuration, integration, and validation activities required to prepare platforms for flight.
 * Hardware/Software Integration: Ensure compatibility between autonomy software, embedded hardware, sensors, avionics, and other platform systems.
 * Flight Test Support: Travel to test locations and support live flight operations, including system bring-up, safety checks, mission preparation, and real-time troubleshooting.
 * System Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve complex hardware, software, networking, embedded-system, and autonomy-stack integration issues in laboratory and field environments.
 * Flight Data & Analysis: Manage mission data collection and post-flight analysis, partnering with autonomy engineers to identify performance issues and improve system behavior.
 * Cross-Functional Engineering: Collaborate with autonomy, Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC), systems engineering, hardware, and test teams to deliver and validate mission-critical capabilities.
 * Integration Tools & Automation: Develop tools, automation, and processes that improve system testing, deployment timelines, data collection, and flight-test reliability.
 * Certification & Compliance: Support documentation and system-level validation activities related to airworthiness, certification, and defense requirements.
 * Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve integration processes, system reliability, and overall deployment efficiency.