Systems Integration Engineer
Summary
Hands-on systems integration engineer at a defense missile manufacturer in Leipzig: integrating and testing electrical, electronic, mechanical, and control systems, troubleshooting faults during assembly, and mentoring technicians as production scales to serial output. Core focus on diagnostics, root cause analysis, and test verification.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Covenant is a global defense company headquartered in Washington, D.C., building long-range precision strike weapons for the United States and its allies. Its flagship missile, Anthem, combines heavy payload and long range at a fraction of the cost of comparable legacy systems, with production volumes designed to meet the demands of prolonged conflict. Designed as an end-to-end weapon system that is simple to store, transport, and field, Anthem is produced in the United States, Germany, and Israel. For more information, visit covenantindustries.com.
THE ROLE
We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Systems Integration Engineer to join our team in Leipzig. In this role, you will play a critical part in bridging multidisciplinary engineering domains to ensure all product systems function seamlessly together. You will oversee the integration and testing process, identifying and resolving complex technical issues during assembly and testing as we build and scale our production capabilities.
The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of how electrical, electronic, mechanical, and control systems interface, combined with strong analytical problem-solving skills and a very hands-on approach. You will work closely with R&D, Production, Quality, and technical technicians to drive product functionality, reliability, and the transition into stable serial production in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- System-Level Integration: Lead the integration of electrical, electronic, mechanical, and control systems into the final product. Ensure proper integration and functionality of all subsystems, including power distribution, wiring harnesses, sensors, actuators, communication interfaces, and onboard electronics.
- Testing & Verification: Develop and execute system-level integration, functional testing, and verification procedures. Support the development and optimization of inline and end-of-line testing, including test equipment, procedures, and acceptance criteria.
- Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis: Troubleshoot complex technical issues during assembly, integration, and testing, particularly electrical faults, missing signals, communication failures, and subsystem malfunctions. Perform root cause analysis and work closely with Engineering and Production to implement corrective actions.
- Transition to Serial Production: Support the transition from prototype builds to stable, repeatable serial production processes.
- Technical Documentation: Define and document technical requirements, test results, integration issues, and standardized corrective actions.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with R&D, Production, and Quality to ensure product functionality, reliability, and strict compliance with technical specifications.
- Team Leadership & Knowledge Transfer: Train and mentor Electrical & Electronics Technicians to independently diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve electrical and electronic issues. Build the team's technical capabilities through hands-on training, structured knowledge transfer, and standardized troubleshooting procedures, reducing dependency on engineering support for recurring issues.
Requirements
- Education: Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a comparable technical field.
- Professional Experience: 3–5+ years of experience in systems integration, electrical testing, troubleshooting, or related engineering roles in complex product environments.
- System Architecture & Protocols: Strong understanding of electrical architecture, wiring diagrams, signal processing, sensors, actuators, and communication protocols (such as CAN Bus).
- Hands-on Diagnostics: Practical experience using electrical measurement and diagnostic equipment (e.g., multimeters, oscilloscopes).
- Testing & Root Cause Analysis: Demonstrated experience with system-level verification, functional testing, and structured root cause analysis.
- Startup Agility: Ability to work independently, proactively, and flexibly in a fast-paced environment where processes and structures are actively being established.
- Languages: Professional proficiency in English and German.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, robotics, or other complex electromechanical product manufacturing.
- Familiarity with embedded systems, hardware/software interfaces, and test automation.
- Experience in training, mentoring, or developing technical technicians on the shop floor.
WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL
- Multidisciplinary Perspective: You look beyond isolated components to understand how electrical, mechanical, and software subsystems interact as a complete unit.
- Hands-On Problem Solver: You don't just stay behind a screen; you actively step into the assembly and testing areas to diagnose issues on the physical hardware.
- Continuous Mentor: You take pride in empowering and building up technicians, creating standardized knowledge that elevates the entire team.
- Ownership in Ambiguity: You thrive in dynamic environments where processes are still evolving, taking initiative to create order and solve complex technical challenges proactively.