System Integrator

Saalex is seeking a System Integrator in Ridgecrest, CA. The selected candidate will serve as the working supervisor responsible for managing day-to-day technical operations, personnel, and flight test asset coordination in support of customer mission requirements. This individual will lead a team of technical professionals supporting aircraft avionics integration, modification, reconfiguration, and operational readiness efforts in a highly dynamic and time-sensitive environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, extensive aircraft avionics systems integration experience, and a proven ability to manage multiple priorities while ensuring compliance with Naval Aviation maintenance, safety, quality, and operational requirements. This role requires close collaboration with government customers, contractors, and engineering teams to provide effective technical leadership and mission-focused support.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $150k-$180k annually (depending upon experience)

Work Location: Onsite

Essential Functions:

• Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision of Avionics Systems Integration and Operations personnel supporting mission requirements.
• Manage technical staff and direct daily work activities to ensure contract objectives and customer requirements are successfully achieved.
• Facilitate immediate technical and staffing allocation decisions to maintain operational responsiveness and mission success.
• Lead and mentor team members while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate flight test assets and support activities in a time-sensitive and dynamic operational environment.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, security, quality assurance, and Naval Aviation regulations, including NAMP and NAVAIRINST 3710.1 requirements.
• Manage personnel supporting aircraft engineering, modification, integration, and reconfiguration efforts across multiple shifts.
• Support flight test operations, off-site detachments, and fleet requirements as mission needs dictate.
• Perform and oversee F-35 System Integration and Operations activities utilizing technical publications, engineering drawings, modification packages, databases, and associated computer systems.
• Conduct independent studies, data analysis, and process reviews to ensure technical products and work efforts align with program objectives.
• Serve as a technical advisor to senior government and contractor leadership regarding system integration, operational challenges, and engineering support requirements.
• Identify technical, process, and quality assurance issues and assist in the development and implementation of corrective actions and resolution strategies.
• Coordinate with fellow program and contract leaders to ensure seamless customer support and effective communication across teams.
• Prepare technical reports, status updates, and program documentation supporting operational and management objectives.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

Required:

• Demonstrated leadership and supervision experience managing technical teams in an aviation, avionics, or defense environment.
• Experience supporting flight test operations and coordinating multiple simultaneous mission requirements.
• Knowledge of aircraft modification, integration, reconfiguration, and maintenance support activities.
• Ability to make rapid technical and staffing decisions in a high-tempo, mission-focused environment.
• Strong organizational, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience interpreting and utilizing technical publications, engineering drawings, modification packages, and maintenance documentation.
• Ability to effectively interface with government personnel, contractors, and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related technical management tools.
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Aviation Management, Technical Management, Electronics, Computer Science, or a related field with 6 years of experience. Candidates without a Bachelor's degree may qualify with 14 years of directly applicable Aircraft Avionics System Integration experience.

Desired:

• Experience supporting F-35 aircraft programs, avionics integration, or related weapons system platforms.
• Completion of contractor management training.
• Experience managing personnel across multiple shifts and operational locations.
• Familiarity with process improvement, quality assurance, and risk management practices.
• Prior experience supporting Naval Aviation flight test organizations or test and evaluation environments.
• Experience coordinating with U.S. and foreign government personnel.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Aviation Management, Technical Management, Electronics, Computer Science, or a related field required. Candidates without a Bachelor's degree may qualify with 14 years of directly applicable Aircraft Avionics System Integration experience.

Security Clearance:

• Active Secret clearance required. Requirements to obtain a clearance include US Citizenship, security investigation, etc.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources
• Stock Option Benefit