Systems Engineer - Program Lead

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary AV is a leading innovator in the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies in the fields of laser systems and beam control. We are currently seeking a highly motivated mid to senior level Systems Engineer to join our dynamic team efforts on a ground-based program, potentially in the role of Systems Engineering Lead for the program. Systems Engineers on this program will collaborate with other systems engineers, design engineers from multiple disciplines, and program management to accomplish program goals. If serving in the Systems Engineering Lead position, the candidate is expected to provide direction to other systems engineers who support the program. Key Position Responsibilities Manage customer requirements in a requirements database, including development of high-level MBSE model Work with the functional engineering leads to allocate customer requirements and derive lower-level requirements Support program reviews in a systems engineering capacity (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) Work with the functional engineering leads to develop plans for Verification and Validation (V&V) Support execution of system test to close out V&V Other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics. 8+ years' experience in systems engineering. Experience with MSBE tools, system requirements development/management, and system verification and validation. Innoslate or Cameo familiarity is a plus but not mandatory. Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team (mechanical, electrical, optical, software) to develop requirements/test plans and support test execution and data collection/analysis. Ability to obtain and maintain a US DoD security clearance. Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Experience working with mechanical, electrical, optical, and software teams to develop, test, and field laser and/or beam control systems. Experience with high-powered lasers and laser safety protocols. Experience with prototype or low-rate productions systems. Experience executing large ACAT-1 or equivalent programs may be beneficial. Strong communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment. Current & active US DoD security clearance. 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 Secret The salary range for this role is: $111,500 - $170,000 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 is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired. 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