System Engineer

Lift Airborne Technologies, LLC is looking for a highly experienced and hands-on System Engineer to lead the architecture, integration, and delivery of complex products in a fast-paced startup environment. This role requires a strategic thinker who can operate at both the system level and in the details—driving clarity from ambiguity and turning concepts into scalable, production-ready solutions.

You will play a critical role in shaping our product, processes, and engineering culture while working cross-functionally to bring innovative systems to market.

• Own system architecture from concept through production and deployment
• Define, decompose, and manage system requirements in a rapidly evolving environment
• Lead cross-functional integration across mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams
• Drive system-level trade studies and make high-impact technical decisions with incomplete data
• Establish and implement systems engineering processes appropriate for a startup (lightweight, scalable)
• Lead system verification & validation strategy, including test planning and execution
• Identify technical risks early and drive mitigation strategies
• Support rapid prototyping, iteration, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) efforts
• Support Drawing Release, Configuration Management, and Revision Control through QMS & Solidworks PDM
• Support Manufacturing Readiness and Production Readiness Reviews (MRR/PRR)
• Interface directly with leadership, customers, and external partners

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or related field)
• 8+ years of experience in systems engineering or complex product development
• Proven experience leading system architecture and integration efforts
• Strong background in requirements development, system decomposition, and interface management
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
• Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Startup or early-stage company experience
• Experience taking a product from concept to production
• Experience with Defense Contracts
• Familiarity with Solidworks and PDM
• Experience working with ISO
  9001:2015 and AS6500
• Experience in hardware-centric systems (e.g., defense, aerospace, robotics, wearable tech)
• Knowledge of design for manufacturability (DFM) and production or capacity scaling
• Experience implementing or improving engineering processes (not just following them)

• Ownership mentality—you take responsibility and drive outcomes
• Comfortable with ambiguity and rapid change
• Bias toward action and iteration over perfection
• Strong systems thinker with attention to detail
• Collaborative leader who can influence without authority
• Fast-paced, high-growth startup environment
• High visibility and direct impact on product and company success
• Close collaboration with founders and leadership team
• Hands-on involvement in prototyping, testing, and early production

• Opportunity to shape a product from the ground up
• Work on cutting-edge technology with real-world impact
• Be a key contributor in building engineering culture and processes
• High growth potential as the company scales