Flight Systems & Embedded Software Lead

WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA or Remote

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $180,000.00 to $189,210.00 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

SUMMARY

Redwire Defense Tech (formerly Edge Autonomy) is seeking an experienced Flight Systems & Embedded Software Lead to oversee the development, integration, and delivery of our flight critical avionics. This role will be responsible for the execution of projects from conceptual requirements, design, test and verification through completion and deployment. This role requires deep technical knowledge and leadership in key air vehicle domains, including embedded SW development, electrical system integration and control system implementation. The Flight Systems & Embedded Software Lead will work with the IPT Lead to oversee cross-functional teams, ensuring that all air vehicle avionics subsystems are integrated and delivered efficiently while meeting product and project requirements. Additionally, they will lead the Embedded SW discipline and ensure best practices are implemented across the team’s deliveries.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.

• Take ownership of development projects handed off from leadership and drive them through development, integration, and completion. 

• Lead cross-functional teams to execute work across power systems, propulsion, electrical systems, avionics, embedded software and aircraft performance. 

• Work with Product/Technology directors and Project Engineers to develop and manage project plans, schedules, resource allocations, and risk assessments to ensure on-time and on-budget execution. 

• Interface with systems engineers, program managers, air vehicle mechanical and electrical teams, and test engineers to align deliverables with technical and operational goals. 

• Conduct design reviews, technical evaluations, and integration planning to ensure seamless coordination across teams. 

• Ensure compliance with performance, reliability, and safety standards throughout the air vehicle development lifecycle. 

• Provide technical leadership to resolve design, integration, and manufacturing challenges. 

• Support flight testing and validation efforts, working closely with test engineers to assess system performance. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related technical field. 

• Strong technical background in air vehicle systems, guidance, navigation and control

• Proficiency in engineering tools and technology to support development (i.e. Matlab, Simulink, Python, C/C++)  

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace, defense or UAS industries, with a focus on air vehicle systems. 

• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects. 

• Prior experience managing air vehicle development from concept through testing and deployment. 

• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities, with experience managing teams in a fast-paced environment. 

• Excellent project management skills, including scheduling, risk mitigation, and resource planning. 

• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with experience working across engineering, program management, and test teams. 

• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges across air vehicle subsystems. 
• Serve as the top embedded systems authority, defining platform-wide avionics and firmware architecture for current and next-generation UAS.
• Establish technical doctrine for safety-critical embedded development, communication frameworks, fault tolerance, and system reliability.
• Drive long-term technology roadmaps, identifying new capabilities, modernization opportunities, and cross-platform unification strategies.
• Lead resolution of the most complex, high-severity HW/SW interaction issues, directing multi-disciplinary tiger teams when needed.
• Oversee embedded system integration across avionics and peripheral sensor and actuation systems.
• Provide executive-level technical judgment on architecture trade-offs, platform scalability, compliance requirements, and risk posture.
• Represent the company to customers, regulatory bodies, and strategic partners on matters related to avionics, firmware, and embedded safety.
• Define expectations for SIL/HIL fidelity, simulation coverage, regression depth, and automated test strategies for embedded systems.
• Champion best practices for code quality, documentation, safety compliance, and design traceability.
• Mentor Staff and Senior Staff Engineers, raising capability across the engineering organization and shaping technical culture.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related technical field. 
• Prior experience working on UAS air vehicle design and integration. 
• Experience supporting flight test and validation activities. 
• Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers within the team. 
• Adaptability to work in dynamic, high-priority environments with shifting technical challenges 
• Knowledge of aircraft system integration and testing for UAS or military platforms. 

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.