Staff Engineer, Avionics Integration

Location: Hybrid, based on-site at Merlin HQ in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Up to 50% domestic and international travel may be required, sometimes with short notice.

Salary: $165,000–$220,000 per year in base compensation, plus equity grants and benefits.

Company

hirify.global is an aerospace and defense startup building a non-human pilot and full-stack autonomy systems for commercial and defense aircraft.

What you will do

• Own avionics integration architecture across multiple aircraft platforms, covering flight computers, sensors, actuators, communications, power, and software subsystems.
• Set integration strategies and technical standards, including interface control documents, integration test methods, and design review criteria.
• Lead systems-level integration and verification of COTS/MOTS avionics, custom hardware, and software across laboratory and aircraft installations.
• Serve as the senior technical authority in design reviews, flight test readiness reviews, certification discussions, and customer or regulator meetings.
• Identify systemic integration risks, drive root-cause resolution, and coordinate with Systems Engineering, Software, Flight Test, Certification, and Maintenance.
• Mentor integration engineers and installation technicians while reviewing interface definitions, installation documentation, and certification packages.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, or a related Engineering discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of experience integrating complex systems onto aircraft across more than one platform or program.
• Hands-on experience integrating COTS/MOTS avionics, custom hardware, embedded software, sensors, and human-machine interfaces.
• Working knowledge of avionics interfaces including Ethernet, ARINC 429, RS-232/422/485, CAN, and MIL-STD-1553.
• Experience leading integration through design reviews, laboratory testing, and flight testing, including cross-discipline dependencies and schedule risks.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice to have

• Experience with certified fixed-wing avionics, including flight management systems, autopilot, or flight control components.
• Knowledge of RTCA DO-160, DO-178, DO-254, MIL-STD-461, or MIL-STD-810.
• Experience establishing integration or systems engineering practices for a new program or platform.
• Familiarity with laboratory test equipment, wire harness design, electro-mechanical integration, motors, and EMI/EMC.
• Experience with SolidWorks, Altium, or KiCAD.

Culture & Benefits

• Innovative, entrepreneurial, and team-focused startup environment.
• Health, dental, life insurance, unlimited vacation, and a 401(k) with company match.
• Professional development support and work/life integration.
• On-site catered lunches, snacks, and beverages at the Boston headquarters.
• Employment is contingent on background and reference checks.