We are seeking a motivated, hands-on Entry-Level Systems Integration & Avionics Engineer to support a broad range of maintenance, integration, inspection, and troubleshooting activities for small airborne missiles, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and payload effectors. This role supports avionics, instrument systems, and related airborne electronics in a fast-paced prototype development environment.
This position offers hands-on, varied work across avionics integration, system assembly, testing, maintenance, mission support, and field operations. Successful prototype programs frequently transition to production, where the Systems Integration Engineer supports production transition activities such as tooling development, assembly processes, and work instruction creation. Once systems are fielded, the engineer may also support sustainment, end-user technical assistance, and training.
The ideal candidate is an early-career engineer who applies strong foundational engineering knowledge, curiosity, and a willingness to learn to influence design and integration decisions under mentorship from senior engineers. This role is a core contributor within a multi-disciplinary rapid prototype team, offering significant exposure to real-world airborne systems early in a career.
In addition to technical integration responsibilities, the candidate may be required to support operational crew functions such as assisting with crew chief duties, UAS or launcher maintenance and operations, and participation in prototype evaluations as mission needs evolve.
Key Responsibilities- Support the design and integration of prototype airborne systems as part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team.
- Assist with integration of avionics, sensors, and control systems into UAS or airborne platforms, including installation, wiring, mounting, configuration, documentation, and functional testing.
- Perform inspections, servicing, maintenance, and calibration of avionics and instrument systems under supervision.
- Troubleshoot basic system discrepancies and support fault isolation using schematics, technical documentation, and test equipment.
- Support system and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) maintenance, operation, setup, teardown, and inspection to enable safe launch and recovery operations.
- Assist with post-integration testing, system-level functional checks, and flight-line acceptance testing.
- Support transition of prototype systems to production and assist with post-fielding sustainment and technical support activities.
- Maintain accurate maintenance, inspection, and test documentation.
- Support mission readiness activities, including limited field support or travel as required.
- Adhere to applicable safety regulations, SOPs, and documentation standards.
Basic Qualifications (Required)- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, Electronics, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited college/university.
- Strong foundational knowledge of electrical, avionics, or embedded systems principles.
- Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and technical documentation.
- Hands-on aptitude and interest in working with aircraft, UAS, or airborne systems.
- Familiarity with basic electronic test equipment (multimeters, power supplies, oscilloscopes, etc.).
- Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and communicate technical information clearly.
- Willingness to support field operations and occasional travel.
- Flexibility to support non-standard work schedules when mission requirements dictate.
Preferred Qualifications- Internship, senior project, laboratory, or extracurricular experience with UAS, robotics, aerospace systems, or embedded electronics.
- Familiarity with UAS flight control systems, sensors, datalinks, or autopilots (e.g., ArduPilot, PX4).
- Exposure to mechanical or electrical CAD tools (SolidWorks, Altium, KiCad, Visio, Draw.io, etc.).
- Experience with hands-on fabrication, wiring, soldering, or system assembly.
- Interest in flight operations, launch and recovery systems, or field testing environments.
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.
Original Posting:January 22, 2026
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.
Pay Range:Pay Range $57,850.00 - $104,575.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and 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.
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