Sr. Staff Systems Engineer

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummary:The Sr. Staff Systems Engineer works with our Design Team to develop a variety of innovative Uncrewed Systems for defense and commercial applications.This position will interact with Design Engineers to allocate requirements and influence and develop system architecture and tests to support customer needs.These development efforts will generally be carried out by small, focused design teams, which will require engineers to use a range of skills and tools across traditional engineering, computer science, and mathematical disciplines.Because of the nature of these development efforts, the engineer will need to work on a variety of stages of development, including requirements definition, concept design, prototyping, detailed system architecture design, validation, and verification testing.Position ResponsibilitiesWork closely with program Chief Engineers and IPT leads to support system architecture, design, and test of Uncrewed SystemsManage requirements traceability and evolution throughout the system development cycleProvide weekly status of system development progress with requirements burndownAllocate requirements down to subsystems and establish traceabilityEvaluate system performance thresholds and provide directionWork with Senior Engineers in developing instrumented flight test vectors and data acquisitionProvide input for model development and simulation analysisReview and interpret customer specificationsIdentify, analyze, and resolve system design weaknesses; influence the shaping of future products by contributing to the framework (architecture) used across multiple products or systemsDetermine methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel (Team Lead)Analyze complex data against performance criteria and determine root causes of failuresPerform other duties as assignedBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience12–15 years of relevant experience in a systems engineering or system design roleExperience as a systems architect to influence overall system designExperience in flight test execution and standardization of flight test processesExperience in component and system-level testingProficiency with C/C++ and MATLABProficiency with office software and computer-based productivity toolsExperience in requirements compliance during testExperience in requirements allocation from system to subsystemExperience managing requirements traceability and evolution throughout the system development cycleExperience providing effective weekly status of system development progress with requirements burndownExperience evaluating system performance thresholds and providing directionFamiliarity with electronics and systems related to image collection and analysisExperience developing system test plans, procedures, and reports, and reviewing and interpreting specificationsExperience writing and conducting safety hazard assessmentsExperience writing system safety protocols and ensuring personnel safety during field testingExperience leading and presenting technical content at systems engineering gate reviews to the customerOther Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesAdvanced degree preferredExperience leading a team of Systems Engineers to support overall execution of Verification & Validation (V&V) campaignsExperience as a Systems Engineer Integrated Product Team Lead (IPTL)Experience in risk assessment and risk mitigationExperience taking a product from concept to production with contract manufacturers and subsystem suppliersExposure to Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems along with Modeling, Simulation & Control, and Model-Based Systems Engineering is helpful but not requiredKnowledge of Simulink, Ansys, and SolidWorks preferredInterest in creating architectures using Model-Based Engineering toolsAbility to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of dutiesStrong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectivesTakes ownership and responsibility for current and past work productsCommitted to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the companyEffective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skillsConsistently demonstrates teamwork and collaboration and puts the success of the team above one’s own interestsPhysical DemandsAbility to work in an office and manufacturing 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)Special RequirementsU.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.Must be able to travel within the continental U.S. and internationally, as required.Clearance LevelNo ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:$147,000 - $224,250AeroVironment 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.ITARU.S. Citizenship requiredSummaryLocation: Simi Valley, CAType: Full time