Lead Systems Engineer

AV; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

AV in Dayton, OH seeks a Lead Systems Engineer to guide architecture, requirements, and integration of multi-domain systems for mission-critical applications. You will coordinate cross-functional teams across mechanical, electrical, software, and test disciplines, mentor junior engineers, and ensure design quality, schedule, and risk management.

The role is on-site in Dayton, offering collaboration in a fast-paced defense-focused environment with opportunities to shape system-level testing,

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in systems engineering, including requirements development, system architecture, and integration for complex hardware and software solutions.
• Background in defense, aerospace, autonomous systems, or related mission-critical domains is highly beneficial.
• Proficiency in technical documentation, configuration management, and formal verification and validation processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture development across complex domains and guide requirements definition.
• Oversee system modeling, analyses, and trade studies to optimize designs.
• Coordinate subsystem integration with cross-functional engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, software, test).
• Manage technical risks and support system-level testing and verification.
• Prepare documentation and reports; serve as primary technical point of contact for internal stakeholders and customer representatives.
• Mentor and guide other engineers; promote best practices in systems engineering; ensure schedule and quality objectives are met.

Skills

Systems engineering

Requirements development

Architecture design

Integration management

Modeling & analysis

Trade studies

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Technical documentation

Verification & validation

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Company Description At AV, teams work directly with customers to design and deliver systems driven by real-world mission needs rather than theoretical requirements. The company provides integrated capabilities across modern warfare domains, including autonomous systems, loitering munitions, space-based platforms, directed energy, cyber, and electronic warfare. AV focuses on solutions that help customers succeed in current operational environments while preparing for future conflicts. Team members collaborate in a fast-paced, mission-focused setting where innovation, reliability, and adaptability are central to every project.
Role Description The Lead Systems Engineer is responsible for guiding the technical design, integration, and validation of complex systems across multiple domains. This is a full-time, on-site role located in Dayton, OH. Day-to-day responsibilities include leading system architecture development, defining requirements, overseeing system modeling and analysis, and coordinating subsystem integration with cross-functional engineering teams. The role also involves managing technical risks, supporting system-level testing and verification, preparing documentation and reports, and serving as a primary technical point of contact for internal stakeholders and customer representatives. The Lead Systems Engineer mentors other engineers, promotes best practices in systems engineering, and ensures that solutions meet mission, schedule, and quality objectives.
Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in systems engineering, including requirements development, system architecture, and integration for complex hardware and software solutions.
• Strong skills in system modeling, analysis, and trade studies using industry-standard tools and methodologies.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and coordinating efforts across mechanical, electrical, software, and test disciplines.
• Background in defense, aerospace, autonomous systems, or related mission-critical domains is highly beneficial.
• Proficiency in technical documentation, configuration management, and formal verification and validation processes.
• Ability to communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders, including participation in customer reviews and briefings.
• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Familiarity with industry and government standards relevant to defense and aerospace systems development.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work on-site in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.