Systems Engineer II

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionSummaryThe Systems Engineer II 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 ResponsibilitiesSupport in the following:Providing weekly Status of System development progress with requirements burn downAllocating Requirements to Subsystems & Engineering coordinationEvaluating System performance thresholds and providing directionDeveloping Instrumented Flight Test vectors and Data acquisitionDefinition of system Build in Test for Fault Detection, Isolation, RecoveryDefinition of ground system warnings, cautions, notificationsAssist in Requirements and Specification ReviewsPrototyping of autonomous systems and validate designs through a series of purpose designed experimentsSupport design and analysis tasks using AeroVironment and industry developed toolsProvide input for model development and simulation analysisWrites system requirements, system test plans, and assist in validation testingPerform a variety of engineering support activities on R&D projectsDocument work and assist with the transition of new capabilities, technologies and prototypes into a production development environment. Work on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations requires a review of intangiblesApply company policies and procedures to resolve a variety of issuesWork within specific requirements to complete tasks under moderate supervisionProvides general guidance and assistance to Associate and Level I EngineersOther duties as assignedBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)Bachelors in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience2 - 5 years of experience in a systems engineering role (Aerospace systems engineering preferred)Familiarity with C/C++ and Matlab requiredFamiliarity with office software and computer-based productivity toolsThe ideal candidate will be interested in creating Architectures using Model Based Engineering toolsOther Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesKnowledge of Simulink, Ansys and Solidworks is preferredFamiliarity with Python or ROS (Robot Operating System) and Aircraft Terminology is preferredAn understanding of Control Theory and Transform functions helpfulAerospace Systems Engineering Experience is preferredAn understanding of Aircraft Terminology is preferredExposure to Guidance Navigation and Control Systems along with Modeling Simulation and Control and Model-Based Systems Engineering is helpful but not requiredAbility to develop and enhance professional expertiseAble to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of dutiesDisplays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectivesTakes ownership and responsibility for current and past work productsIs 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 productsTakes ownership and responsibility for current and past work productsHas effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills.Focuses on teamwork, 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)Clearance LevelNo ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:$82,000 - $125,000AeroVironment 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: Petaluma, CAType: Full time