Senior Systems Engineer

Worker Type Regular Job Description AV is seeking skilled Systems Engineers to support the design, development, integration, testing, and deployment of advanced electromechanical, opto-mechanical, and RF systems across our diverse portfolio of defense solutions. In this role, you will be a key technical contributor on programs spanning ground, air, and space domains --working at the intersection of multiple engineering disciplines to ensure system-level success. As a Systems Engineer, you will lead requirements management, architecture definition, interface control, and verification planning for complex, multi-disciplinary systems. You will collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and test teams to integrate subsystems into mission-capable solutions, manage technical risks, and ensure our systems meet customer performance, schedule, and cost objectives. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies supporting critical national security missions, with exposure to multiple domains and program phases. You will contribute to AV's reputation for innovation and technical excellence while developing your systems engineering expertise in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment. Ideal candidates bring a strong foundation in systems engineering principles, hands-on experience with end-to-end system development and hardware-software integration, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, cross-functional team setting. RESPONSIBILITIES Develop, decompose, and manage system and subsystem requirements from customer needs through verification and validation Establish and maintain bidirectional traceability between requirements, design elements, and verification methods using requirements management tools Define and document system and subsystem interfaces (mechanical, electrical, optical, RF, data) through Interface Control Documents (ICDs) Develop system architectures, functional flows, and physical decompositions for electromechanical, opto-mechanical, and RF systems Conduct trade studies and technical analyses to support design decisions and optimize system performance against cost, schedule, and performance constraints Create verification matrices and test plans that map requirements to appropriate verification methods (test, analysis, inspection, demonstration) Develop integration strategies and support integration activities for multi-disciplinary systems across subsystems and suppliers Support system-level testing, verification events, and validation activities to ensure requirements are met Collaborate daily with mechanical, electrical, software, optical, and RF engineers to resolve technical issues and ensure system-level integration Identify, assess, and track technical risks; develop mitigation plans in collaboration with engineering teams Prepare technical specifications, reports, design documentation, and presentations for internal teams and customers Participate in technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and design reviews as systems engineering representative Assess impact of requirements changes and support change control processes to maintain technical and programmatic integrity Support customer technical meetings, reviews, and demonstrations with clear technical communication Contribute to continuous improvement of systems engineering processes, tools, templates, and best practices REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS U.S. Citizenship is required Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Optical, Computer, Systems), Physics, or related discipline. 5+ years of systems engineering experience in defense, aerospace, or related industry Demonstrated experience with requirements management, including elicitation, decomposition, traceability, and verification planning Hands-on experience with end-to-end development, integration and test activities for complex hardware-software systems Proficiency with requirements management tools. Strong understanding of systems engineering processes and standards across the system development lifecycle Experience defining and managing technical interfaces between subsystems, disciplines, or organizations Excellent technical writing and communication skills with ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences Proven ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams and matrix organizations PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Master's degree or Ph.D. in related engineering or technical discipline. Experience with electromechanical, opto-mechanical, or RF system development and integration Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methods. Experience with environmental testing (TVAC, shock, vibration, EMI/EMC) and corresponding test standards Hands-on experience leading technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) or serving as systems lead on programs Knowledge of defense acquisition processes and DoD milestone review frameworks Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $105,000 - $160,000 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.