Flight Integration Engineer

On-site in either Washington, DC or Boston, MA or San Diego, CA

Our client seeks a Flight Integration Engineer who will integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems and support flight readiness across lab and field environments. The role includes pre-flight preparation, on-site flight test support, hardware and software debugging, data capture and analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable autonomous capabilities. The position requires hands-on systems integration, strong troubleshooting skills, and regular travel to test sites.

Due to client requirements, applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $75.00 to $90.00/hr. w2

• Integrate autonomy software onto unmanned aircraft systems across onboard compute, sensors, and control interfaces.
• Own build, configuration, and validation for flight-ready systems and ensure mission readiness.
• Support on-site flight tests including safety checks, system bring-up, and time-critical troubleshooting.
• Diagnose and resolve issues across autonomy stacks and embedded systems in lab and field environments.
• Capture flight data and conduct post-test analysis to refine autonomy behaviors and identify improvements.
• Collaborate with autonomy, GNC, systems, and test teams to deliver validated mission-critical functionality.
• Develop tools and processes that improve integration timelines, reliability, and team efficiency.
• Support documentation and system-level validation for certification, airworthiness, and compliance.
• Travel 30–40% to office locations, customer sites, and flight integration events.

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar, or equivalent experience.
• Typically 7+ years with a Bachelor’s, or 5+ years with a Master’s, or 4+ years with a PhD, or equivalent work experience.
• Proficient in C++ and Python with familiarity in RTOS.
• Proficient in Linux development, embedded systems, shell scripting, and system diagnostics.
• Knowledge of sensor integration, sensor fusion, and middleware such as ROS and DDS.
• Hands-on experience supporting flight demos or live exercises.
• Experience with simulation tools such as AFSIM or NGTS for testing and validation.
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.
• Effective communication and teamwork in multidisciplinary environments.
• Ability to obtain a SECRET clearance.
• Preferred: experience with UAS flight test campaigns, autonomy stacks, flight control or GNC pipelines, electronics debugging or avionics bring-up, automation tools for testing and data parsing, interfacing with DoD stakeholders, and knowledge of UCI and OMS standards.

BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar, or equivalent experience.

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Eliassen Group values transparency in our recruitment practices. Please be advised that Eliassen Group utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of its initial application screening  and hiring process. You may receive email and SMS notifications from the Eliassen Virtual Recruiting Team ( View email address on us.fitly.work , View phone number on us.fitly.work) inviting you to complete a brief voice screening as part of your application process. These tools assist our hiring teams in different ways, including but not limited to, assistance in reviewing application materials to help identify candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements of the position. All AI-assisted evaluations and responses are reviewed by human recruiters before any hiring decisions are made. The use of AI in our process is intended to support fairness, efficiency, and consistency, and Eliassen Group takes measures to prevent bias or discrimination in connection with its hiring practices. By proceeding, you acknowledge, agree, and consent to Eliassen Group’s use of these tools, including AI tools, as part of the application and hiring process.

Skills, experience, and other compensable factors will be considered when determining pay rate. The pay range provided in this posting reflects a W2 hourly rate; other employment options may be available that may result in pay outside of the provided range.

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About Eliassen Group:

Eliassen Group is a strategic consulting firm that helps organizations reach further and achieve more through our technology, business advisory, and life sciences solutions. For nearly 40 years, we have combined exceptional people, deep domain expertise, and intelligent capabilities to expand our clients’ capacity and accelerate meaningful outcomes. We are driven by a purpose to positively impact the lives of our employees, clients, consultants, and the communities we serve.

Eliassen is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and all employment decisions are based on merit, performance, and business needs. Eliassen does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity or expression, sexual preference or orientation, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), marital status, creed, religion, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, prohibited criminal record inquiries of applicants and employees, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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