Sr. Systems Engineer

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Senior Systems Engineer works with our Design team to develop a variety of innovative Unmanned Systems for defense and commercial applications. This position will interact with Controls Engineers to allocate requirements and develop architectures to drive simulation models. These development efforts will generally be 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 the development efforts, the engineer will need to work on a variety of stages of development including requirements definition, concept design, prototyping, detailed design, validation and verification testing.

Position Responsibilities

• Support providing weekly Status of System development progress with requirements burn down
• Support Allocating Requirements to Subsystems & Engineering coordination
• Support Evaluating System performance thresholds and providing direction
• Support Requirements and Specification Reviews
• Support Developing Instrumented Flight Test vectors and Data acquisition
• Support definition of system Build in Test for Fault Detection, Isolation, Recovery
• Support definition of ground system warnings, cautions, notifications
• Provide input for model development and simulation analysis
• Support prototyping of autonomous systems and validate designs through a series of purpose-designed experiments
• Support design and analysis tasks using AeroVironment and industry developed tools
• Writes system requirements, system test plans, and assist in validation testing
• Perform a variety of engineering support activities on R&D projects
• Document work and assist with the transition of new capabilities, technologies and prototypes into a production development environment
• Work on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors
• Resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways while applying company policies and procedures
• Work independently with little supervision. Provide articulate, accurate instructions and guidance to lower-level Engineers as well as team members outside the department
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 5 - 8 years of experience in a systems engineering role (Aerospace systems engineering preferred)
• Familiarity with C/C++ and Matlab required
• Proficiency with Matlab as well as office software and computer-based productivity tools
• Possesses an interest in creating Architectures using Model Based Engineering tools

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Knowledge of Simulink, Ansys and Solidworks preferred
• Aerospace Systems Engineering experience preferred
• Understanding of Control Theory and Transform functions is helpful
• Understanding of Aircraft Terminology is helpful
• Exposure to Guidance Navigation and Control Systems along with Modeling Simulation & Control and Model-Based Systems Engineering is helpful but not required
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others and the company. Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Physical Demands

• Ability 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)

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$100,500 - $153,250

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.

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.