Senior Systems Engineer

Worker Type

Job Description

AV is seeking skilled Systems Engineers to support the design development integration testing and deployment of advanced electromechanical opto-mechanical and RF systems across our diverse portfolio of defense this role you will be a key technical contributor on programs spanning ground air and space domains --working at the intersection of multiple engineering disciplines to ensure system-level success.

As a Systems Engineer you will lead requirements management architecture definition interface control and verification planning for complex multi-disciplinary systems. You will collaborate closely with mechanical electrical software and test teams to integrate subsystems into mission-capable solutions manage technical risks and ensure our systems meet customer performance schedule and cost objectives.

This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies supporting critical national security missions with exposure to multiple domains and program phases. You will contribute to AVs reputation for innovation and technical excellence while developing your systems engineering expertise in a fast-paced mission-focused environment.

Ideal candidates bring a strong foundation in systems engineering principles hands-on experience with end-to-end system development and hardware-software integration excellent communication skills and the ability to thrive in a collaborative cross-functional team setting.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop decompose and manage system and subsystem requirements from customer needs through verification and validation
• Establish and maintain bidirectional traceability between requirements design elements and verification methods using requirements management tools
• Define and document system and subsystem interfaces (mechanical electrical optical RF data) through Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
• Develop system architectures functional flows and physical decompositions for electromechanical opto-mechanical and RF systems
• Conduct trade studies and technical analyses to support design decisions and optimize system performance against cost schedule and performance constraints
• Create verification matrices and test plans that map requirements to appropriate verification methods (test analysis inspection demonstration)
• Develop integration strategies and support integration activities for multi-disciplinary systems across subsystems and suppliers
• Support system-level testing verification events and validation activities to ensure requirements are met
• Collaborate daily with mechanical electrical software optical and RF engineers to resolve technical issues and ensure system-level integration
• Identify assess and track technical risks; develop mitigation plans in collaboration with engineering teams
• Prepare technical specifications reports design documentation and presentations for internal teams and customers
• Participate in technical reviews (SRR PDR CDR TRR) and design reviews as systems engineering representative
• Assess impact of requirements changes and support change control processes to maintain technical and programmatic integrity
• Support customer technical meetings reviews and demonstrations with clear technical communication
• Contribute to continuous improvement of systems engineering processes tools templates and best practices

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Bachelors degree in Engineering (Aerospace Electrical Mechanical Optical Computer Systems) Physics or related discipline.
• 5 years of systems engineering experience in defense aerospace or related industry
• Demonstrated experience with requirements management including elicitation decomposition traceability and verification planning
• Hands-on experience with end-to-end development integration and test activities for complex hardware-software systems
• Proficiency with requirements management tools.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering processes and standards across the system development lifecycle
• Experience defining and managing technical interfaces between subsystems disciplines or organizations
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills with ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and matrix organizations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree or Ph.D. in related engineering or technical discipline.
• Experience with electromechanical opto-mechanical or RF system development and integration
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methods.
• Experience with environmental testing (TVAC shock vibration EMI/EMC) and corresponding test standards
• Hands-on experience leading technical reviews (SRR PDR CDR) or serving as systems lead on programs
• Knowledge of defense acquisition processes and DoD milestone review frameworks

Clearance Level

The salary range for this role is:

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the location the role and associated responsibilities a candidates work experience education/training and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironments determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironments business requirements. A U.S. person according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical dental vision 401K with company matching a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isnt for everyone. We hire the curious the relentless the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We dont just build defense technologywe redefine whats possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S. AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air land sea space and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonianbut were not building history were building whats next.

If youre ready to build technology that matterswith speed scale and purposetheres no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer including disability/veterans. AeroVironment Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race sex color religion national origin age disability protected veteran status genetic datasexual orientation gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR