Systems Engineer III

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Systems Engineer to perform systems engineering activities for a family of Unmanned Systems supporting defense and commercial applications. In this role, you will:

• Perform systems engineering across the full systems engineering V, including requirements decomposition, functional analysis (using MBSE), and verification and validation planning and execution.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and integration teams to develop, review, and implement system architectures and requirements.
• Contribute to process and tool improvements and share technical knowledge with team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop system, subsystem, and component requirements specifications including requirements decomposition, derivation, allocation, and traceability.
• Perform functional analysis and contribute to system architecture development using Model-Based Systems Engineering methods.
• Support the definition and management of system interfaces, including creation of Interface Control Documents and related artifacts.
• Contribute to system trade studies and analyses (performance, cost, schedule, risk).
• Support verification and validation planning including defining approaches for establishing requirements compliance, supporting the development of test plans and test procedures, and supporting test execution.
• Support customer discussions and participate in internal and external design reviews.
• Travel up to 10% to support customer meetings, design reviews, integration, and test events.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret security clearance.
• 5+ years of relevant experience architecting, modifying, and supporting complex systems, preferably defense and/or aerospace systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using SysML v1.x and Cameo Enterprise Architect / Cameo Systems Modeler.
• Experience with requirements management tools (preferably Jama), including:
  • Authoring and managing system, subsystem, component specifications.
  • Establishing and maintaining end-to-end traceability to architecture, design, and verification artifacts.
• Experience developing systems engineering and architecture artifacts, such as specifications, ICDs, architecture diagrams, CONOPS, trade studies, and analyses.
• Experience supporting systems verification and validation activities, including:
  • Developing or reviewing verification methods and compliance assessments.
  • Supporting test planning, procedure development, requirements traceability, and test execution.
• Experience working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment and communicating progress, technical issues, and risks to systems engineering leadership and program stakeholders.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share broad responsibilities.
• Strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Current, active U.S. DoD Secret clearance or higher.
• Familiarity with MBSE methodologies and frameworks such as UAF and OOSEM.
• Experience preparing or supporting presentations of systems engineering content and artifacts at technical reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR).
• Exposure to one or more of the following technical areas is desired:
  • Software / Embedded Software
  • RF Systems
  • Networking
  • Optics (EO/IR)
  • Natural and Induced Environments
  • Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3)
  • Cybersecurity

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:

$100,500 - $153,250

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.