Senior Systems Engineer

AV is looking for a highly talented Senior Systems Engineer to support the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Program Office delivering critical capabilities for the Defense of Guam (DoG). This role supports a priority national defense effort in a dynamic environment, ensuring effective integration of missile defense elements to protect a key strategic location. The candidate will provide senior-level systems engineering support, guiding technical efforts across multiple domains and ensuring alignment with MDA objectives., * Perform integrated analysis and evaluation of DoG test events including Flight Tests, Ground Tests, and System Integration Check Out (SICO) activities

• Participate in and support engineering milestones such as Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews (PDR/CDR), Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), and technical assessments
• Collaborate with stakeholders across MDA and supporting organizations to coordinate schedules, resolve issues, and ensure technical accuracy
• Provide input on secure system design considerations, risk identification, and mitigation strategies
• Lead or support technical interchange meetings (TIMs), action tracking, and meeting coordination
• Develop executive-level briefings, technical papers, and correspondence for senior leaders, including Flag Officers and SES personnel
• Coordinate GENser and SAP-level meetings and VTCs as needed
• Represent the Government customer in IPTs, working groups, and forums
• Apply engineering tools such as DOORS, Windchill, and Qlik for analysis and coordination
• Support efforts related to system security, including compliance tracking or integration of cybersecurity inputs into engineering processes

• 12+ years of relevant systems engineering or technical experience for missile defense related programs
• Master's Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field
• Active Secret clearance
• Strong understanding of MDA systems engineering processes and procedures
• Demonstrate understanding of system architecture and system
• Experience with MDA system elements (e.g., Patriot, THAAD, Aegis, C2BMC)
• Familiarity with secure development practices, configuration management, and cybersecurity-informed engineering
• Knowledge of the Electronic Task Management System 2 (ETMS-2) system and experience managing Congressional or routine taskers
• Ability to operate independently and communicate effectively across diverse technical teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project)
• Skilled in developing and delivering technical briefings to senior decision-makers

Desired:

• Background that includes exposure to secure system development and cybersecurity-informed engineering practices
• Bachelor's degree in STEM in addition to Master's degree in STEM

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we've been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world's most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection in Washington, DC. Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty - and succeed. What We Do Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company's hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.