Systems Engineer

Engineering

Systems Engineer 4 Everett, WA Posted: 5/8/2026

Job Description

Job #

217720

Job Category:

Engineering

Position Type:

Associate - W2

Duration:

12 Months

Shift:

1

Positions Available:

5

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a Systems Engineer 4, in Everett, WA. Job

Pay Rate: $77 - $82/hr

Job Description:

The KC-46 Aerial Refueling Systems team is seeking a highly motivated, capable, and quick learning Senior Systems Design Engineer and Equipment Manager to support the KC-46A program. The KC-46 Aerial Refueling Systems team is made up of a diverse set of engineers that design, develop, test, certify, and support the following systems: aerial refueling boom, hose and drogue, aerial refueling operating station, and the remote vision system.

In this role, the engineer will be the prime system design focal for one of our many components or sub-systems that make up the aerial refueling platform. They will own the components or sub-systems across the entire product lifecycle, integrating across multiple teams, external customers, and suppliers to ensure a quality system is designed, manufactured, tested, and maintained as part of the KC-46 platform.

As a key player in one of the most advanced aerial refueling systems in the world, you will oversee the system design and management of critical equipment that supports our mission to deliver unparalleled capabilities to our customers. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of aviation technology, ensuring that our equipment meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.

The ideal candidate will have a background in mechanical systems, systems design and architecture, supplier engineering, certification, or requirement verification/validation; the ability to communicate effectively; and the ability to integrate with various teams effectively as part of a geographically-dispersed team.

• Lead and/or support the engineering design, development, analysis, testing, and certification of the aerial refueling hardware systems to ensure seamless integration with software and higher-level systems and platforms throughout a product's lifecycle
• Develop, validate, and verify system level requirements
• Collaborate on the design, development, integration, testing, and operational capability of various programs
• Lead and/or assist in the development of test plans and procedures in support of certification activities
• Clearly communicates technical information with teams, suppliers, customers, and regulatory delegates to certify and produce a product
• Manages product configuration and architecture
• Coordinate system-level integration for defensive systems hardware and software
• Oversee the definition and execution of critical tests of various types to validate the performance of designs against system requirements
• Gather information to support proposal development and conduct trade studies for future upgrades and new business opportunities
• Coordinate and ensure FAA, military certification, and airworthiness activities for the defensive hardware systems and its components
• Coordinate and consult with specialty engineering Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) such as safety, electromagnetic emissions, and cybersecurity
• Provide troubleshooting support for production labs and aircraft when technical issues occur
• Conduct technical issue investigations and Root Cause and Corrective Actions (RCCAs)

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science
• 5 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 1+ year of experience…