Systems Engineering - Defense

We are seeking an experienced Senior Systems Engineer to perform systems engineering activities for a family of Unmanned Systems supporting defense and commercial applications. Perform systems engineering across the full systems engineering V, including requirements decomposition, functional analysis (using MBSE), and verification and validation planning and execution.

Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and integration teams to develop, review, and implement system architectures and requirements.

Contribute to process and tool improvements and share technical knowledge with team members.

Perform functional analysis and contribute to system architecture development using Model-Based Systems Engineering methods.

Support the definition and management of system interfaces, including creation of Interface Control Documents and related artifacts.

Contribute to system trade studies and analyses (performance, cost, schedule, risk).

Support verification and validation planning including defining approaches for establishing requirements compliance, supporting the development of test plans and test procedures, and supporting test execution.

Support customer discussions and participate in internal and external design reviews.

Travel up to 10% to support customer meetings, design reviews, integration, and test events.

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• DoD Secret security clearance.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using SysML v1.Experience developing systems engineering and architecture artifacts, such as specifications, ICDs, architecture diagrams, CONOPS, trade studies, and analyses.

Supporting test planning, procedure development, requirements traceability, and test execution.

Experience working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment and communicating progress, technical issues, and risks to systems engineering leadership and program stakeholders.

Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field from an ABET-accredited institution.

DoD Secret clearance or higher.

Experience preparing or supporting presentations of systems engineering content and artifacts at technical reviews (e.g., Software / Embedded Software

Networking

Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3)

Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Constant)

talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

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.

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”). S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. 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.

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. 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.

Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.

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