{"id":4034854,"url":"https://alion.io/job/zone-5-technologies-software-integration-engineer-iiiiv","title":"Software Integration Engineer III/IV","company":{"id":684780,"name":"Zone 5 Technologies","domain":"zone5technologies.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/zone5technologies","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":94,"open_postings":32,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.031,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":114,"computed_at":"2026-11-10T06:52:35Z"}},"role":"Backend","role_family":"Backend","seniority":"middle","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["San Luis Obispo, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":136000,"max":182000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":182000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":8,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"ARINC","optional":false},{"name":"C++","optional":false},{"name":"CI/CD","optional":false},{"name":"Human-in-the-Loop","optional":false},{"name":"MATLAB","optional":false},{"name":"MAVLink","optional":false},{"name":"MIL-STD-1553","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false},{"name":"ROS2","optional":false},{"name":"Simulink","optional":false},{"name":"Wireshark","optional":false},{"name":"DO-160","optional":true},{"name":"DO-178C","optional":true},{"name":"MBSE","optional":true},{"name":"RTOS","optional":true},{"name":"STANAG","optional":true},{"name":"SysML","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-11-10T18:30:19Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-11-10","last_verified_at":"2026-11-10T19:50:18Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":0,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":0},"description":"At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in precision weapons and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Our team of engineers and innovators are developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions to deliver affordable and scalable precision weapons, interceptors, and UAS.\nWe're building the next generation of munitions and unmanned systems for the United States and its allies. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on defense technology, you belong here.\nPosition Summary \nAt Zone5 Technologies, we’re redefining what’s possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter. \nWe’re building the future of UAS capabilities, and we’re looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you’re driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here. \nThe Software Integration Engineer III-IV is a senior individual contributor role responsible for owning system interfaces and integrating subsystems so they communicate reliably with one another. The engineer will integrate flight software, avionics, sensors, payloads, datalinks, ground systems, and vendor equipment; verify interfaces through laboratory, ground, and flight testing; and work closely with GNC, avionics, software, systems, and flight test teams to ensure safe and reliable aircraft performance. Engineers at this level are the technical authority for the interfaces they own. \nThe ideal candidate combines: \nInterface Control Documents (ICDs) & Interface Requirements \nSystem & Subsystem Integration \nCommunication Protocols & Data Buses (Ethernet, Serial, CAN, MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 653, WOSA) \nMessaging Middleware (DDS, ROS2, MAVLink) \nInterface Verification & Validation (V&V) \nHardware-in-the-loop (HITL) & Software-in-the-loop (SITL) \nNetwork & Bus Analysis \nSystems Engineering & Requirements Management \nTest Automation \nRoot Cause Analysis \nLevel Expectations \nLevel III (5+ years of experience) \nOwns multiple subsystem interfaces end to end, from ICD definition through implementation, verification, and configuration control. \nAuthors and maintains ICDs and negotiates interface agreements with internal teams and external vendors. \nPlans integration sequences and interface test campaigns and defines pass/fail criteria. \nLeads root cause investigations for complex, cross-subsystem interface anomalies. \nProvides technical guidance and peer review to junior engineers. \nLevel IV (8+ years of experience) \nServes as interface authority for a full platform or across multiple platforms, owning the overall interface architecture and system data flow. \nDefines interface standards, messaging architecture, and versioning and compatibility strategy used across products. \nLeads integration of third-party, customer, and government-furnished systems and represents interfaces design reviews and customer engagements. \nResolves the most ambiguous, high-risk integration problems and mentors engineers at all levels. \nResponsibilities \nInterface Ownership \nOwn system and subsystem interfaces across flight software, avionics, sensors, payloads, datalinks, and ground control systems. \nCollaborate with systems engineering to author, maintain, and configuration-control ICDs, interface requirements, message definitions, and data dictionaries. \nCoordinate interface changes with internal teams, vendors, and customers. \nDefine interface architecture, including protocols, message sets, rates, timing, and error handling. \nAssess the impact of proposed interface changes and manage versioning and backward compatibility. \nWrite software to integrate new components into Zone 5 systems and write software to integrate Zone 5 systems into existing platforms. \nIntegration & Verification \nPlan integration sequences and system build-up from component level through the full air vehicle. \nDevelop and execute interface and system-level integration and verification tests traceable to ICDs and requirements. \nDevelop simulators, emulators, and test harnesses for external systems. \nTroubleshoot complex failures using bus and network captures, telemetry, logs, and system diagnostics. \nPlan and support hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), software-in-the-loop (SITL), iron-bird, simulator, ground, and flight testing, serving as a representative from the software org to the test community at large. \nEnsure test execution complies with safety requirements and test objectives. \nLead anomaly investigations, identify root causes, and drive corrective actions to closure. \nTechnical Ownership & Collaboration \nCoordinate software integration activities across multiple platforms. \nCollaborate with multidisciplinary teams including software, systems, controls, guidance, avionics, and hardware engineers. \nDesign and improve automated interface testing, continuous integration, and HITL/SITL infrastructure. \nProvide technical mentorship and code, ICD, and test reviews for junior engineers. \nIntegrate feedback from Test and Evaluation, and Production into procedures and test plans. \nRepresent interfaces and integration in design reviews, test readiness reviews, and customer engagements. \nSupport integration events, flight testing, field testing, and mission operations as needed. \nEnsure compliance with applicable industry standards, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines. \nResearch emerging technologies and recommend improvements to current integration activities. \nOperate effectively in fast-paced prototype and development environments. \nRequired Qualifications \nBachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. \nLevel III: 5+ years of relevant experience in system integration, interface development, or V&V of aerospace, defense, or other safety-critical systems. \n Level IV: 8+ years of relevant experience in system integration, interface development, or V&V of aerospace, defense, or other safety-critical systems. \nDemonstrated experience authoring and owning ICDs and interface requirements. \nStrong knowledge of communication protocols and data buses such as Ethernet (TCP/UDP), serial (RS-232/422/485), CAN, MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 653. \nExperience integrating subsystems from multiple teams or vendors into a working system. \nUnderstanding of aircraft systems and avionics integration. \nStrong proficiency in one or more of the following: C/C++, Python, MATLAB/Simulink. \nHands-on experience with software-in-the-loop (SITL) and/or hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test environments. \nExperience with network and bus analysis tools such as Wireshark or CAN/1553 bus analyzers. \nProven track record of planning and executing integration campaigns from requirements through final report. \nStrong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills. \nExcellent communication and teamwork skills, including negotiating interface agreements and briefing technical results to engineering leadership and customers. \nAbility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. \nPreferred Qualifications \nExperience with autonomous aircraft, UAVs, missiles, or robotic systems. \nFamiliarity with DDS, ROS2, MAVLink, STANAG 4586, or other UAS messaging standards. \nExperience working with UAI (Universal Armaments Interface) and experience integrating, testing, or supporting mission stores on fixed-wing jet aircraft \nExperience with military-grade GNSS receivers and navigational systems \nFamiliarity with open architecture standards such as WOSA. \nExperience integrating datalinks, radios, and ground control systems. \nUnderstanding of guidance, navigation, and control architectures. \nExperience with time synchronization (e.g., PTP, IRIG-B, GPS time). \nFamiliarity with DO-178C, DO-160, and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), including SysML interface modeling. \nExperience with flight-critical or safety-critical software. \nFamiliarity with VxWorks or other RTOS environments. \nExperience with DevOps workflows and automated infrastructure. \nExperience supporting flight tests or operational deployments. \nActive U.S. security clearance. \n Level III: $136,000 - $182,000/yr. \nLevel IV: $164,000 - $210,000/yr. \nPay range for this role\n$136,000—$210,000 USD\nWhat's in it for you:\nBenefits: \nCompetitive total compensation package \nComprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.\n401k with company-match \n3 weeks of paid time off each year\n40 hours of sick time\n12 annual company holidays\nWhy Join Zone 5 Technologies?\nInnovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.\nCollaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.\nCareer Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.\nIf you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team! \nIn compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. \nZone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.","description_format":"text","description_chars":9809,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":8,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":["401k plan","Professional development"],"hiring_locations":[],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":["Drones & UAVs","Defense Manufacturing"],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-11-10T19:50:18Z"}],"visa":[],"liveness":{"score":86,"band":"hot","label":"Hiring now","p_open":1,"p_active":0.86,"p_room":1,"age_days":0,"expected_fill_days":114,"reasons":["conf:4","win:early"],"computed_at":"2026-11-11T00:13:29Z"},"pay":{"stated_usd_annual":182000,"is_top_pay":false},"html_url":"https://alion.io/job/zone-5-technologies-software-integration-engineer-iiiiv","json_url":"https://alion.io/job/zone-5-technologies-software-integration-engineer-iiiiv.json","meta":{"generated_at":"2026-11-11T00:13:29Z","cache_seconds":300,"methodology":"https://alion.io/methodology","terms":"https://alion.io/terms","contact":"https://alion.io/contact","api":"https://alion.io/developers","about":"Alion is a live layer of people, companies and AI agents: who they are, whether they are real and active right now, what they do and how to work with them, readable by people and by agents and paid per call.","catalog":"https://alion.io/catalog.json","usage":{"tier":"crawler_verified","counted_by":"address","units_charged":1,"used_today":611,"day_limit":null,"remaining_today":null,"minute_limit":300,"resets_at":"2026-11-12T00:00:00Z"}},"offers":[{"id":"company.slices","title":"One company in depth, by slice","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.1,"usd":0.01,"plus_per_slice":{"credits":0.05,"usd":0.005}},"unit":"per company, plus each slice with data","note":"the employer in depth","call":{"mcp_tool":"get_company","arguments":{"id":684780},"rest":"https://alion.io/mcp/rest/get_company?id=684780"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.slices&for=job%2Fzone-5-technologies-software-integration-engineer-iiiiv"},{"id":"market.stats","title":"A market slice: pay, demand and time to fill","status":"live","price":{"credits":2,"usd":0.2},"unit":"per slice","note":"pay, demand and time to fill for this role and place","call":{"mcp_tool":"market_stats"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=market.stats&for=job%2Fzone-5-technologies-software-integration-engineer-iiiiv"},{"id":"job.search","title":"Open jobs by role, technology, place, pay and visa","status":"live","price":{"credits":0.1,"usd":0.01},"unit":"per posting in a list","note":"similar open postings","call":{"mcp_tool":"search_jobs"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=job.search&for=job%2Fzone-5-technologies-software-integration-engineer-iiiiv"},{"id":"company.verify","title":"Is this company real and active right now","status":"pilot","price":null,"unit":"per company","request":{"url":"https://alion.io/catalog/request","method":"POST","body":"{\"offer\": \"company.verify\", \"for\": \"job/zone-5-technologies-software-integration-engineer-iiiiv\", \"note\": \"what you need it for\"}"},"human":"https://alion.io/catalog?offer=company.verify&for=job%2Fzone-5-technologies-software-integration-engineer-iiiiv"}],"agent":{"mcp":"https://alion.io/mcp/jobs","mcp_open":"https://alion.io/mcp/open","next":[{"tool":"get_job","arguments":{"id":4034854}},{"tool":"search_jobs","arguments":{"company":"zone5technologies.com","detail":"compact"}},{"tool":"match_people","arguments":{"job_id":4034854},"note":"people open to offers who fit this vacancy"}],"note":"The same data through MCP tools: https://alion.io/mcp/open needs no sign-in (compact searches, postings, people); https://alion.io/mcp with an Alion account has everything. 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