Chief Systems Engineer

Leonardo DRS; Cypress (CA); On-site; USD 150,452 - 233,578; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Leonardo DRS is seeking a Chief Engineer in Cypress, California, responsible for leading the testing and characterization of space-based infrared imaging products. You will develop test strategies, execute testing, and guide technical teams to ensure project success.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering, 12 years of relevant experience, and an active Secret Security Clearance. We provide a competitive salary range of $150,452 to $233,578 annually, along with comprehensive benefits including health insurance, 401(k), and a 9/80 flexible work schedule.

Qualifications

• 12 years of relevant experience in systems engineering and aerospace.
• Active Secret Security Clearance; TS Preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of systems experience in space and/or aerospace.

Responsibilities

• Perform imaging system testing and characterization.
• Develop test requirements and create detailed test plans.
• Execute testing in lab and cleanroom environments.

Skills

Imaging System Testing

Characterization

Optical Measurements

Data Analysis

Technical Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Systems Engineering

Master's Degree

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

Job Summary

This position is for a Chief Engineer to support space‑based IR imaging products. Join our team to lead end‑to‑end test and characterization of advanced imaging and infrared (IR) systems supporting space and aerospace missions. You’ll own test strategy and execution—from requirements and procedure development through data analysis, troubleshooting, and customer‑facing technical communication—while guiding AI&T task planning and supporting proposal efforts.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform imaging system testing and characterization, including optical and spectral measurements
• Develop test requirements, and create detailed test plans/procedures for setup and execution
• Execute testing in lab and cleanroom environments; diagnose issues across electrical, software, and optical domains
• Conduct spectral measurement and image data processing, including data analysis and reporting
• Build and maintain MATLAB scripts to automate analysis and improve test efficiency
• Troubleshoot test equipment and define/drive solutions to improve reliability and throughput
• Lead technical teams with a focus on AI&T execution and task planning
• Interface with customers and deliver clear technical presentations and status updates
• Support growth activities including proposal generation, technical write‑ups, costing/BOEs, and identifying capital equipment needs

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Systems Engineering (Master's Degree preferred) and 12 years of relevant experience
• Minimum 8 years of systems experience in space and/or aerospace (10+ years highly preferred)
• Experience and understanding of DOD and aerospace test processes
• Active Secret Security Clearance. TS Preferred.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally as needed
• Understanding of Imaging System Testing, Characterization, and Image Data Processing
• Experience with optical measurements
• Previous experience with IR technology required
• Work to be performed in Cypress California under a 9/80 schedule.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $150,452/year–$233,578/year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for annual performance‑based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non‑exempt employees as applicable). Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including state‑mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well‑being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career‑growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.

Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.