IPT Lead - Air Vehicle

Work Location:

San Luis Obispo, CA

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Salary Range:
The anticipated salary range for this role is $175,000 to $250,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

Redwire Defense Tech (formerly Edge Autonomy) is seeking an experienced Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead – Air Vehicle to oversee the development, integration, and delivery of our uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). This role will be responsible for the execution of projects from the Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (SEIT) team through completion. This role requires deep technical knowledge and leadership in key air vehicle domains, including airframe, propulsion, electrical systems, avionics hardware, payload integration, aircraft system hardware configuration, weight and balance, and aircraft performance.

The IPT Lead will oversee cross‑functional teams, ensuring that all air vehicle subsystems are integrated and delivered efficiently while meeting product and project requirements.

• Take ownership of air vehicle projects handed off from the SEIT team and drive them through development, integration, and completion.
• Lead cross‑functional teams to execute work across airframe, propulsion, electrical systems, avionics hardware, payload integration, weight and balance, and aircraft performance.
• Ensure system integration for hardware mounts, fuel cell mounts, battery mounts, and payload bay interface control documents (ICDs).
• Work with Product/Technology directors and Project Engineers to develop and manage project plans, schedules, resource allocations, and risk assessments to ensure on‑time and on‑budget execution.
• Interface with systems engineers, program managers, manufacturing teams, and test engineers to align deliverables with technical and operational goals.
• Conduct design reviews, technical evaluations, and integration planning to ensure seamless coordination across teams.
• Ensure compliance with performance, reliability, and safety standards throughout the air vehicle development lifecycle.
• Provide technical leadership to resolve design, integration, and manufacturing challenges.
• Support flight testing and validation efforts, working closely with test engineers to assess system performance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field or equivalent experience.
• Strong technical background in air vehicle systems, including airframe, propulsion, avionics hardware, and electrical systems.
• Experience with aircraft weight and balance assessments, aircraft performance optimization, and system hardware configuration.
• Knowledge of mounting solutions for hardware, including hard mounts, fuel cell mounts, and battery mounts.
• Proficiency in engineering tools for CAD, analysis, and system modeling.
• Familiarity with payload integration and interface control documents (ICDs).
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace, defense or UAS industries, with a focus on air vehicle systems.
• Proven track record of leading cross‑functional teams to deliver complex air vehicle projects.
• Prior experience managing air vehicle development from concept through testing and deployment.
• Strong leadership and decision‑making abilities, with experience managing teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent project management skills, including scheduling, risk mitigation, and resource planning.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with experience working across engineering, program management, and test teams.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges across air vehicle subsystems.

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Prior experience working on UAS air vehicle design and integration.
• Experience supporting flight test and validation activities.
• Ability to mentor and develop junior…