Lead Systems Engineer

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

AV is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to join our SpaceTech Division. We handle the design, development, and manufacturing of space-based processing, controls, and electro-optical solutions for customers across the growing industry of space. The Systems Engineering Team is responsible for driving success and continuity across all programs while owning a variety of tasks.

Position Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining Interface Control Specifications for space-based processing, controls, and electro-optical systems
• Leading the development of systems engineering documentation such as System Engineering Management Plans, Initial Capabilities Documents, Requirements Specifications, Interface Control Documents, System Integration Plans, and Test Plans
• Owning the requirements generation, analysis, decomposition, and review with customers
• Analyzing user's requirements, concept of operations documents, and high-level system architectures to aid in developing system/subsystem requirements specifications
• Managing system requirements and leading design/development activities
• Developing system architecture and system design documentation
• Communicating with other program personnel, customers, and senior executives
• Supporting lab and field acceptance testing
• Taking responsibility for the technical integrity of work performed and deliverables associated with the Systems Engineering area of responsibility
• Mentoring other Systems Engineers to help increase team knowledge and expertise
• Driving division-wide process creation and upkeep
• Integrating between different areas of engineering expertise to support design and development
• Capturing design and how it satisfies requirements and test readiness
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 8 - 12 years of experience in a systems engineering role (Aerospace systems engineering preferred)
• Experience with tools supporting design, development, modeling, analysis, testing, and delivery of components, assemblies, and systems
• Experience with advanced system engineering tools and software (e.g. CAMEO, Reliance, python, MATLAB, ANSYS)
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and methodologies including PM&P, Mission Assurance verification analyses (e.g., Reliability, Stress Derating, Radiation Effects, etc.)
• Familiarity with industry standards and compliance requirements, including AS9100D
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD security clearance

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Master’s degree in systems engineering, space, aerospace, electrical, mechanical, or optical systems
• 10+ years of device engineering experience, preferably encompassing a variety of direct experience across multiple disciplines, such as mechanical, optical, electrical, software, firmware, and controls for space capabilities
• Demonstrated engineering management and team leadership skills, preferably in the execution of programs from inception and scoping through execution and delivery
• Demonstrated success of the development and implementation of Systems Engineering policies, practices, and procedures (e.g. engineering rigor/documentation, MBSE, innovation)
• Current/Active Top-Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Constant)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$111,500 - $170,000

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s 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 AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s 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: .

We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s 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 Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s 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 data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.