Senior Systems Engineer

Worker Type

Regular

The primary role of the Senior Systems Engineer is to lead the planning, design, and implementation of mission-critical systems. This role focuses on translating high-level requirements into executable system architectures while guiding technical decisions from concept through deployment. You’ll provide technical leadership, mentor team members, and drive system integration efforts that support complex national security missions.

• Lead technical planning, systems integration, and verification and validation activities
• Analyze mission and system requirements and translate them into system designs and interface specifications
• Coordinate across engineering disciplines to ensure alignment on architecture and deliverables
• Provide guidance on system-level trade‑offs, risk mitigation, and technical feasibility
• Support rapid prototyping, technical documentation, and fielding of advanced capabilities
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical direction and execution

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 8 – 12 years of experience in a systems engineering role (Aerospace systems engineering preferred)
• Deep understanding of systems engineering principles and methodologies
• Strong background in system architecture, integration, and test planning
• Experience leading systems engineering efforts on mission‑focused programs
• An active TS/SCI with Polygraph

• Experience supporting rapid development or prototyping efforts
• Ability to balance technical depth with program-level execution and delivery
• Strong communication skills for coordinating across technical teams

$180,000 – $205,000

The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract‑specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Top Secret with Poly

T his 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 Aero Vironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with Aero Vironment’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.

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) 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.

Based in California, Aero Vironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul Mac Cready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and…