Senior Integration Engineer, USV Payloads (Defense)

TL;DR

Senior Integration Engineer (Defense): Managing the end-to-end payload integration lifecycle for Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) systems with an accent on hardware-software interfaces, vendor management, and test validation. Focus on designing Interface Control Documents (ICDs), executing acceptance test procedures, and ensuring MIL-STD compliance for defense-grade maritime platforms.

Location: Hybrid: Must be based in West Palm Beach, FL (minimum 50% on-site presence).

Compensation: Base pay, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.

Company

Blue Ops, the maritime division of hirify.global, develops advanced Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) systems purpose-built for defense and national security missions.

What you will do

• Lead the full payload integration lifecycle for USV variants (V5, V7, V11), from vendor engagement to customer demonstration.
• Integrate EO/IR cameras, radar, communications suites, and weapon interfaces onto autonomous platforms.
• Develop and enforce Interface Control Documents (ICDs) defining power, physical, and data interface requirements.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for third-party payload vendors and internal engineering teams.
• Author and execute Integration Test Plans (ITPs) and Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs) in lab and sea environments.
• Ensure system compliance with MIL-STDs (461, 810, 1472) and ITAR/EAR export controls.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering.
• 5+ years of systems integration and test experience in defense, maritime, or aerospace environments.
• Experience integrating hardware payloads onto unmanned or autonomous platforms (USV, UAS, UGV).
• Must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence (ITAR/EAR compliance).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret security clearance.
• Proven ability to author formal test reports and maintain detailed ICDs.

Nice to have

• Active DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance.
• Experience with marine electronics (NMEA 2000/0183, AIS, radar).
• Familiarity with ROS 2, MAVLink, or DDS autonomy stacks.
• Knowledge of ATAK/WinTAK or MANET-based mesh networking.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks or Fusion 360.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to have a direct impact on fielded systems used in national security.
• Fast-moving, mission-driven engineering environment within an all-domain unmanned ecosystem.
• Generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.
• Hybrid work schedule with flexibility.
• Exposure to cutting-edge USV, sUAS, and VTOL technologies.