Lead Engineer - Test Engineering

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Manager, Systems Engineering, is an experienced individual within the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) systems technology or related industry with extensive knowledge performing one's function in a fast-paced organization. As a member of the Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System's Engineering management team, one participates in executing the overall strategic technology roadmap that will drive the business growth in a very competitive market space. Responsible for building a functional organization that has the capabilities and capacities to meet the business needs. Position Responsibilities Manages a group of systems engineering professionals, including budget planning, staffing, training, performance evaluation and career development Manages resources to meet project demands Plans workload for System engineer design activities Provides technical expertise and guidance to team to meet applicable deadlines Maintains a high level of customer satisfaction with both internal and external customers Manages requirements traceability and evolution through the system development cycle Mentors other engineers within the team Follows processes and operational policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions Frequently interacts with subordinate supervisors, customers and/or functional peer group managers, normally involving matters between functional areas Other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) BS degree in Engineering (i.e., Systems, Electrical, Computer, etc.) is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience 10 - 12 years of experience in a systems engineering role, with minimum 5 years managerial experience Aerospace systems engineering experience preferred Experience writing Systems Safety protocols and ensuring personnel safety during field testing Experience in taking a product from concept to production with contract manufacturers a plus Managed requirements traceability and evolution through the system development cycle Experienced in providing weekly status of system development progress with requirements burn down Allocated requirements to subsystem & engineering coordination Evaluated system performance thresholds and providing direction Development of instrumented flight test vectors and data acquisition Provided input for model development and simulation analysis Has developed systems test plans, procedures and reports, reviewed and interpreted customer specification Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies MS preferred in Computer Science, Aero-Mechanical Eng., Electrical Eng. Mechanical Eng. Must be able to provide clear and concise communication (written and oral), as well as provide professional presentations Familiarity with electronics and systems related to image collection and analysis Demonstrates clear oral communication and well-organized documentation skills Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships Assesses the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity Physical Demands Ability to work in an office and production 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: $122,500 - $187,000 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. 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. Careers at AeroVironment