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# Chief Systems Engineer

- **Company:** Leonardo DRS
- **Location:** Cypress, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $150,452.0 - $233,578.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Data Analysis, Systems Engineering, MATLAB, E2e Testing, System Testing, Strategies of Testing, Data Processing, Cypress (Programming Language)
- **Published:** July 5, 2026
- **Apply:** https://careers.leonardodrs.com/talentcommunity/apply/1392416900/?locale=en_US

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Systems Engineering (Master's Degree preferred) and 12 years of relevant experience
 * Minimum 8 years of systems experience in space and/or aerospace (10+ years highly preferred)
 * Experience and understanding of DOD and aerospace test processes
 * Active Secret Security Clearance. TS Preferred.
 * Ability to travel locally and nationally as needed
 * Understanding of Imaging System Testing, Characterization, and Image Data Processing
 * Experience with optical measurements
 * Previous experience with IR technology required
 * Presentation skills
 * Work to be performed in Cypress California under a 9/80 schedule.

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

## Description

This position is for a Chief Engineer to support space -based IR imaging products. Join our team to lead end-to-end test and characterization of advanced imaging and infrared (IR) systems supporting space and aerospace missions. You'll own test strategy and execution-from requirements and procedure development through data analysis, troubleshooting, and customer-facing technical communication-while guiding AI&T task planning and supporting proposal efforts., * Perform imaging system testing and characterization, including optical and spectral measurements

 * Develop test requirements, and create detailed test plans/procedures for setup and execution
 * Execute testing in lab and cleanroom environments; diagnose issues across electrical, software, and optical domains
 * Conduct spectral measurement and image data processing, including data analysis and reporting
 * Build and maintain MATLAB scripts to automate analysis and improve test efficiency
 * Troubleshoot test equipment and define/drive solutions to improve reliability and throughput
 * Lead technical teams with a focus on AI&T execution and task planning
 * Interface with customers and deliver clear technical presentations and status updates
 * Support growth activities including proposal generation, technical write-ups, costing/BOEs, and identifying capital equipment needs


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