Principal Systems Integration & Test Engineer

About the role

Thompson Software Solutions is seeking a Systems Integration & Test Engineer to support the integration, verification, and validation of mission-critical avionics systems for a military aircraft platform.

Responsibilities

• Execute system-level test procedures that validate aircraft functionality and software capabilities.
• Work closely with systems, software, and hardware engineers to identify defects, troubleshoot complex integration issues, perform root-cause analysis, and verify software fixes before release.
• Spend the majority of your time in the lab working directly with aircraft hardware, mission computers, avionics equipment, and embedded software.
• Solve challenging integration problems and collaborate across engineering disciplines to ensure aircraft capabilities perform as designed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience performing systems integration and testing within aerospace, defense, or other embedded software environments.
• Hands-on experience working in Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) or Systems Integration Laboratory (SIL) environments.
• Experience executing system-level integration and verification test procedures.
• Strong troubleshooting skills involving integrated hardware and embedded software.
• Experience identifying, documenting, and tracking software defects.
• Demonstrated ability to perform root-cause analysis on system integration issues.
• Experience validating software functionality against system requirements.
• Familiarity with avionics communication protocols including MIL-STD-1553, ARINC-429, Ethernet, or similar interfaces.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Ability to work onsite 100%.
• Ability to travel up to approximately 10%.
• Ability to work a Thursday-Sunday 4x10 schedule during normal business hours.

Skills

• Supporting military aircraft integration programs.
• Testing embedded real-time software.
• Using JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket, or similar engineering tools.
• Working in DO-178C or other safety-critical software environments.
• Supporting aircraft ground testing, system verification, or flight test activities.
• Familiarity with software configuration management and Agile development processes.

Benefits

• Low-cost Medical / Dental / Vision coverage options.
• 401K with generous employer match.
• Responsible Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays.
• Remote work opportunities based on role.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Career growth and professional development opportunities.