Senior Systems Engineer

The primary role of the Systems Engineer is to support the design, integration, and evolution of mission-critical systems within a complex operational environment. This role focuses on requirements development, system architecture, and cross-team integration to ensure solutions align with mission needs and technical constraints.

You will work closely with engineers, analysts, and stakeholders to translate high-level requirements into actionable system designs, support system integration efforts, and contribute to the delivery of reliable, scalable solutions.

Position Responsibilities

• Analyze user requirements, CONOPS, and system architectures to develop system requirements and specifications
• Support system design, integration, and implementation activities across the full lifecycle
• Assist in developing system architecture, interface definitions, and design documentation
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between system requirements and implementation
• Support system integration and test planning, including validation of system performance
• Participate in requirements allocation across hardware, software, and system components
• Contribute to development of system engineering artifacts such as system engineering plans and interface control documents
• Support technical assessments, trade studies, and feasibility analysis
• Coordinate with stakeholders to resolve technical issues, risks, and integration challenges
• Maintain clear and accurate technical documentation throughout the system lifecycle

• 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 requirements development, system design, and system integration
• Experience working within structured system engineering processes and lifecycle methodologies
• Ability to translate high-level mission needs into system-level requirements
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work across technical teams and stakeholders
• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Experience supporting DoDAF, SOA, or enterprise-level system architectures
• Familiarity with system integration, test planning, and validation processes
• Experience contributing to system engineering documentation and technical deliverables
• Ability to support technical decision-making through analysis and trade studies
• Experience working in Agile or hybrid development environments
• Ability to operate independently while contributing to team-based engineering efforts

Salary Range: $125,000 - $219,500

The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data.

This is a pipeline requisition posted in advance of approved headcount for future hiring needs.

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.