---
title: 'Mission Systems Integration Engineer at Odys Aviation'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/mission-systems-integration-engineer-odys-aviation-long-beach-nn4n1tjnc0sp'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-06'
---

# Mission Systems Integration Engineer at Odys Aviation

- **Company:** Odys Aviation
- **Location:** Long Beach, CA
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-07-02
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-06
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/odys-aviation/b966c0db-8539-4f43-89a8-b0e154dba8f7

## Job description

## ABOUT ODYS

Our mission at Odys is simple - we build safe, sustainable aircraft to cut travel time in half on the world's busiest corridors. Our flagship aircraft Alta enables travelers to skip the big-airport hassle https://youtu.be/fyI4XMsF2rM by using city helipads and local airports to connect cities less than 1,000 miles apart (approx 40% of flights). And on average cut CO2 by 76% on tens of billions of flight miles globally.

To get there, we start with our UAV called Laila for commercial logistics, medical transport, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and defense missions. We’re deploying aircraft with launch partners (Fiji Airways https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-09-20/fiji-airways-plans-connect-pacific-islands-laila-vtol, Honeywell https://aerospace.honeywell.com/us/en/about-us/press-release/2024/07/honeywell-odys-aviation-to-collaborate-on-uncrewed-aircraft-operations-in-the-middle-east-and-pacific, Aramex https://evtolinsights.com/2024/01/odys-aviation-aramex-announce-collaboration-to-develop-cargo-operations-in-uae-and-oman/, US Navy) beginning in 2026 and already have firm orders for aircraft under contract.

We’re a team of expert engineers from deep tech and aerospace that focus on fast iterations loops (completed transition flight https://youtu.be/AffdzQDUv2U faster than our peers) combined with mastery of the aircraft certification process. Previously, our team developed custom drones, brought multiple automotive platforms into production, and electrified transportation vehicles that magnetically levitate, that roll, that fly. Together, we’ve been learning, developing, building, testing, and preparing for this challenge our entire lives.

## About The Role

Are you passionate about integrating, testing, and validating the systems that make advanced unmanned aircraft fly autonomously and reliably? Do you thrive at the intersection of complex system integration, verification & validation, and real-time test campaigns? Join our engineering team as a Mission Systems Integration & Test Engineer.

Laila isn't a single fixed configuration - it's a platform that carries many different mission-specific payloads (EO/IR sensors, cargo and delivery systems, medical transport, communications relays, ISR and defense packages, and more).

A central part of this role is integrating those diverse payloads onto the aircraft so each mission configuration flies safely and performs as intended. You'll integrate and validate our on-board and ground system architectures - ensuring robust command & control, payload integration and management, and autonomous operations on Laila, our dual-use UAS platform, perform reliably as one cohesive system. You'll work closely with avionics, systems, payload, and GCS teams to deliver safe, reliable, certifiable, high-performance systems, and you'll be hands-on across payload-to-aircraft integration, system integration, SIL/HIL testing, field validation, and flight test campaigns - central to how payloads, navigation, and mission logic connect and perform together. You'll supplement this integration and test work with targeted software development where needed to close gaps and enable validation

## Responsibilities

Payload-to-Aircraft Integration

- Integrate diverse mission-specific payloads - EO/IR and vision sensors, cargo/delivery mechanisms, medical transport modules, communications relays, ISR and defense packages onto the aircraft as safe, reliable, mission-ready configurations.
- Define and validate the mechanical, electrical, power, data, and software interfaces between payloads and the airframe, and capture them in payload ICDs.
- Establish reusable, modular payload integration patterns so new payloads can be brought onto the platform quickly and repeatably.
- Verify payload command, control, and data flow through the autopilot, onboard compute, and GCS across each mission configuration.
- Characterize the impact of payloads on aircraft-level behavior (power budgets, EMI/EMC, weight & balance, thermal, latency) and drive resolution of integration issues.

System, Avionics & GCS Integration

- Integrate avionics, sensors, and payloads into a cohesive onboard system - including autopilot, navigation, vision, electrical, mechanical, and power management components.
- Own the integration between airborne systems and the Ground Control Station (GCS), enabling robust telemetry, video, payload control, and C2 links.
- Integrate real-time communication and streaming protocols across subsystems (e.g., MAVLink, Ethernet, CAN, RTSP, UDP, or proprietary links).
- Bring up and integrate flight control, mission logic, communication links, and payload interfaces into a validated end-to-end system.

Test, Verification & Validation

- Lead software-hardware integration, debugging, and validation using SIL/HIL test setups and during ground or flight test campaigns.
- Plan, execute, and document payload and system integration and test campaigns, verifying each mission configuration end-to-end and driving issues to closure.
- Develop automated test environments and contribute to CI/CD workflows for verification and regression testing.
- Analyze flight logs and system data to characterize system performance and identify integration and optimization opportunities.

Systems Engineering & Safety

- Support requirements definition, ICD documentation, and traceability for integration, verification, and validation tasks in collaboration with system engineering.
- Collaborate with avionics and systems teams to verify compliance with redundancy, fault tolerance, and safety design principles.
- Participate in software and system reviews, interface discussions, integration planning, and verification & validation activities across hardware and software domains.

Supporting Software Development

- Develop and maintain embedded and application-level scripts, test harnesses, and tooling that enable integration and validation of UAS subsystems.
- Contribute to onboard autonomy, sensing, detection, and vision-based navigation features as needed to support integration and test objectives.

Required Qualifications

- Degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronic, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent).
- 2+ years of experience in system integration, test, or verification & validation for UASs, eVTOLs, or other embedded aerospace/robotics systems.
- Hands-on experience integrating payloads and avionics subsystems onto a vehicle or platform sensors, controllers, actuators, communications, and data links - including their mechanical, electrical, power, and data interfaces.
- Experience with SIL/HIL test setups, ground/flight test campaigns, and real-time debugging of integrated hardware/software systems.
- Strong understanding of hardware/software interaction and real-time debugging on SoMs such as NVIDIA Jetson or NXP iMX.
- Working proficiency in C/C++ and Python sufficient to build test tooling, harnesses, and support integration efforts.
- Strong experience with Linux (embedded and desktop) and middleware for robotic or avionics applications.
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills across mechanical, electrical, and software domains.

## Preferred Qualifications

- Experience integrating multiple interchangeable or modular payloads onto a shared platform (e.g., EO/IR gimbals, cargo/delivery systems, comms relays, ISR packages).
- Experience with payload interface standards and considerations such as weight & balance, power budgeting, EMI/EMC, and thermal management.
- Experience with simulation and HIL testing for UASs, avionics, or robotic systems.
- Experience with software test & code analysis tools such as VectorCast, LDRA, Coverity, and Understand.
- Experience with data communication protocols such as RS-232/422/485, CAN, ARINC 429, and MIL-STD-1553.
- Experience with MAVLink, STANAG-4586, or similar command and telemetry protocols.
- Experience with network protocols, network configuration, and analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark).
- Experience with video/data streaming technologies (e.g., GStreamer, FFmpeg, OpenCV).
- Background in flight-critical or safety-critical software development and verification (DO-178C or equivalent).
- Knowledge of system safety, fault tolerance, and reliability methods such as FDIR or fail-safe redundant architectures. Experience with model-based development tools (Simulink, System Composer, Cameo, Capella, SCADE, UML, SysML, etc.).
- Experience with RTOS, ROS/ROS2, or equivalent robotics frameworks.
- Experience integrating GNSS, vision, or RF-based navigation systems.
- Experience with SORA/SAIL frameworks and the EASA UAS regulatory environment.
- Experience with DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker), and Git-based workflows.
- Exposure to modular avionics or networked flight control computer (FCC) architectures.
- Experience with cybersecurity concepts, techniques, mitigations, and testing.
- Experience in UAS autonomy, perception, and future GNSS-denied operations

## About Odys Aviation

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Odys Aviation builds long-range, hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft for defense, logistics, and civil applications, enabling runway-independent operations with significant payload and endurance.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series A)
- **Headquarters**: Long Beach, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2022
- **Founders**: Tadeh Avetian (Co‑Founder and Advisor); other founders not publicly listed (the team includes experts from GoogleX, Hyperloop, Volvo, and Fisker Automotive)

## Core Business
- **Primary industries**: Aerospace & Aviation, Defense, Logistics
- **Target customers**: U.S. Department of Defense, commercial cargo operators, humanitarian/NGOs, regional airlines (B2B, Government, Enterprise)
- **Mission**: “To connect people and goods in ways that truly solve real-world challenges and open new possibilities for the future of flight.”

## Products & Services
- **Laila**: Tactical VTOL drone with a 450‑mile range, 130‑lb payload, and multi‑hour endurance. Designed for defense, logistics, and emergency medical transport. Flies today.
- **Alta**: Larger VTOL cargo aircraft with a 1,200‑mile range, 3,500‑lb capacity, and dual flexible cargo capability. Aimed at regional logistics and passenger travel. Certification following Laila.
- Both platforms use **hybrid‑electric propulsion** and a patented **flap‑based thrust vectoring** system (replaces tilt rotors for simpler certification).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Total Funding**: $43.6 million (across pre‑seed, seed, and Series A rounds)
  - Pre‑Seed (Jul 2021): $3.5M from 7 investors
  - Seed (Feb 2022): $12.4M from 12 investors (after Y Combinator)
  - Series A (Nov 2025): $26M led by Nova Threshold with 3 investors
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Y Combinator, Nova Threshold, U.S. Department of Defense (Phase II contract), Sultanate of Oman (2026 evaluation program)
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Headcount: 44 employees (+61.3% year‑over-year as of mid‑2026)
  - Over $9 billion in Letters of Intent and pre‑orders
  - Completed first full‑scale Laila prototype flight campaign and full transition flight test
  - First test of Alta’s 1MW generator, a hybrid‑electric propulsion breakthrough
  - 13 active job postings; quarterly hiring trend +62.5%

## Competitive Advantages
- **Flap‑based thrust vectoring** – simpler, more certifiable than tilt‑rotor designs while enabling VTOL and efficient cruise.
- **Hybrid‑electric propulsion** – delivers superior range, payload, and endurance compared to pure electric VTOL aircraft.
- **Dual‑use strategy** – serves both military and commercial markets from a single platform, accelerating adoption and funding.
- **Early flight‑proven hardware** – Laila is flying today; full transition flight validated, reducing certification risk.

## Strategic Focus
- Scale full‑scale flight testing and manufacturing readiness.
- Advance certification programs for both Laila and Alta.
- Expand international launch operations (e.g., Oman partnership).
- Continue winning DoD contracts and penetrating defense/logistics verticals.
- Build engineering team (propulsion, avionics, robotics, mission systems).

## Why Work Here
- **Culture & Values**: Emphasize “Details Matter”, “Build With Tenacity”, “Support The Team”, “Keep Your Promises”, and “Balance Audacity With Pragmatism”. Safety is the north star.
- **Team**: Composed of experienced aerospace engineers from Airbus, SpaceX, Boeing, and other top programs; described as “not average” with a focus on first‑principles engineering.
- **Work Environment**: Collaborative office and hangar spaces in Long Beach built for productivity and wellbeing. On‑site presence expected (no explicit remote policy advertised). Regular company events and team social hours.
- **Perks**: Competitive salaries, generous stock options, comprehensive health & wellness benefits. Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge aircraft from concept through certification and production.
- **Growth**: Rapidly scaling company with significant room for impact; employees can shape products and processes early.

## Sources
1. [odysaviation.com](https://www.odysaviation.com/) – Company homepage, product details, mission
2. [odysaviation.com/careers](https://www.odysaviation.com/careers) – Careers page, values, culture, benefits
3. [odysaviation.com/about](https://www.odysaviation.com/about) – Timeline, leadership team, funding milestones, DoD contracts
4. [linkedin.com/company/odys-aviation](https://www.linkedin.com/company/odys-aviation) – Headcount growth, funding total, employee breakdown, open roles
5. [ycombinator.com/companies/odys-aviation](https://www.ycombinator.com/companies/odys-aviation) – Y Combinator profile, founder background, early contracts

## Other roles at Odys Aviation

- [Composite Technician - Airframe](https://feeny.ai/job/composite-technician-airframe-odys-aviation-long-beach-ymyghw94fb1x) — Long Beach, CA
- [Mechanical Engineering Intern/Co-Op [Propulsion]](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineering-intern-co-op-propulsion-odys-aviation-long-beach-89vsba1eprcc) — Long Beach, CA
- [Mechanical Technician - Powerplant](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-technician-powerplant-odys-aviation-long-beach-mc5xhvtsreet) — Long Beach, CA
- [Staff Propulsion Controls & Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-propulsion-controls-software-engineer-odys-aviation-long-beach-ccef4qmsfd0v) — Long Beach, CA
- [Lead Aircraft Maintenance Technician (eVTOL)](https://feeny.ai/job/lead-aircraft-maintenance-technician-evtol-odys-aviation-long-beach-rtjsy0japddp) — Long Beach, CA
- [Mission Operations Specialist (UAS Pilot)](https://feeny.ai/job/mission-operations-specialist-uas-pilot-odys-aviation-long-beach-p5fryq1trxe4) — Long Beach, CA
- [Mechanical Design Engineer [Propulsion]](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-design-engineer-propulsion-odys-aviation-long-beach-4n4kzp0zd0e9) — Long Beach, CA
- [Sr. Power Electronics Hardware Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-power-electronics-hardware-engineer-odys-aviation-long-beach-r49kkj626twy) — Long Beach, CA
- [Junior Qualification & Safety Engineering Intern](https://feeny.ai/job/junior-qualification-safety-engineering-intern-odys-aviation-munich-b6w6b02kb9c6) — Munich, Germany
- [Unmanned Aircraft Operations Intern](https://feeny.ai/job/unmanned-aircraft-operations-intern-odys-aviation-munich-0qtmf8khv812) — Munich, Germany