Principal Systems Engineer; UAV, Robotics

Principal Systems Engineer (UAV, Robotics) at Columbus Technologies and Services

Location:

Onsite near Thousand Oaks, CA

Employment type:

Full-time Direct Employment

Compensation:
Base salary range $176,000 - $249,480 (additional bonus and benefits). Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is based on location and factors such as skills, experience, and education.

U.S. Citizenship required with the ability to obtain government security clearance.

Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S. or internationally.

W2 with full benefits.

The Principal Systems Engineer is a subject‑matter expert who envisions and develops solutions to critical issues and design matters for innovative unmanned systems in defense and commercial applications. The role leads a team of engineers across all development stages—including requirements definition, concept design, prototyping, detailed design, and validation & verification testing.

• Lead systems development using Model Based Systems Engineering tools (Matlab, others)
• Evaluate and modify system simulation models to scope requirements & identify tolerances
• Create model‑based systems test strategy based on flight envelope that includes corner cases
• Provide design direction for aircraft instrumentation and data analysis based on model performance
• Provide subsystem feedback and direction to aeromechanical, electrical, GN&C, and software teams
• Plan, develop and oversee requirements traceability and evolution throughout the development cycle
• Provide multi‑layered technical expertise for next‑generation initiatives
• Conceive system interfaces and prototypes
• Develop, configure, and oversee upgrades, enhancements, fixes, and sustainability activities
• Define system specifications, input/output, and working parameters for overall compatibility
• Identify, analyze, and resolve system design weaknesses; influence product architecture across multiple systems
• Make complex design decisions to meet stated and derived requirements, using appropriate analysis, simulation, and validation tools
• Create designs that address evolution and future concepts, products, and technologies
• Work independently and provide technical supervision across disciplines
  
  Transfer knowledge for professional and technical career development
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering – or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 15+ years of related experience in architecting, modifying, and supporting aircraft avionics & flight control systems; preferred aerospace and/or UAV experience.
• Proficiency with C/C++ and Matlab.
• Proficiency with office software and computer‑based productivity tools.
• Experience managing requirements traceability and evolution through the system development cycle.
• Demonstrated experience providing effective weekly status updates of system development progress with requirements burn‑down charts.
• Successfully developed system test plans, procedures, reports, and interpreted customer specifications.
• Experienced in writing systems safety protocols and ensuring personnel safety during field testing.
• Ability to understand all system components, how they interact, and delegate appropriately to teams.

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience taking a product from concept to production with contract manufacturers preferred.
• Exposure to Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems and to modeling, simulation, and control preferred.
• Exposure to Model Based Systems Engineering helpful but not required.
• Understanding of aircraft terminology and familiarity with Python or ROS (Robot Operating System) is a plus.
• Knowledge of Simulink, Ansys, and Solid Works preferred.
• Ability to excel in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment with small teams sharing a broad variety of duties.
• Strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• C…