Lead Systems Engineer

DY4 Curtiss-Wright DS, Inc.; Santa Clarita (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

401K with Employer Match and Profit Sh

Health and Wellness Benefits

Learning and Development Opportunities

Referral Program

Competitive Pay

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Inclusive & Supportive Culture

Job summary

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions in Santa Clarita, CA seeks a Lead Systems Engineer to guide engineering teams and represent the company to customers and suppliers. The role focuses on requirements management, technical documentation, and cross‑functional leadership to fulfill contract objectives.

Ideal candidates bring DoD prime experience, strong Linux/VxWorks skills, and history of leading PDR/CDR reviews, with a BS in a relevant engineering field.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience with US DoD primes or equivalents.
• Expert knowledge of integrated system hardware/software development for deployed military vehicle applications.
• Experience leading and closing major design reviews (PDR/CDR).
• Expert knowledge of systems engineering tools DOORS and Cameo.
• Working knowledge of Clearquest, JIRA, and Rational Development Tools.

Responsibilities

• Represent CW as the technical solutions and systems engineering expert to customers and suppliers.
• Provide technical guidance to cross-functional program teams.
• Establish disciplined requirements management: flow-down, decomposition, verification, and documentation.
• Manage requirements changes and advise leadership on contractual decisions.
• Develop comprehensive technical documentation communicating CW's solution to customer and engineering teams.

Skills

Systems Engineering

DoD Experience

PDR/CDR Leadership

DOORS

Cameo

JIRA

Linux

VxWorks

SOSA/VPX

MIL-STD-1553

Education

BS Computer Science

BS Software Engineering

BS Electrical Engineering

Tools

Clearquest

JIRA

Rational Development Tools

Job description

Lead Systems Engineer - Defense - Onsite Position Our Santa Clarita, CA facility has rewarding opportunity for a Lead Systems Engineer to join our team! As our Lead Systems Engineer you will be at the forefront of Engineering team Providing technical guidance and expertise and leading the team to successfully fulfill the customer requirements. Location: Santa Clarita, CA- Onsite Salary Range: $ 108,900 - 145,200 USD annual per year plus bonus Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in California. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing
• Health and Wellness Benefits
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Referral Program
• Competitive Pay
• Recognition
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Inclusive & Supportive Culture

Your Challenge:

Representing the company as the technical solutions and systems engineering expert to customers, suppliers, and CW management. Providing technical guidance to cross functional program teams. Establishing a disciplined approach to requirements management, including flow down, decomposition, verification, and documentation. Managing requirements changes, including ability to discern whether a change is in or out of scope, and advise business leadership on programmatic/contractual decisions. Developing comprehensive technical documentation that clearly communicates CW’s solution to the customer and the Engineering team. Reporting technical status and way forward to varied audiences, including team members and internal/external leadership. Identifying Systems Engineering knowledge gaps and advise Functional leadership on Training/development needs. Training planning to enhance team development. Converting requirements into solutions that minimize risk while meeting objective. Leading engineering teams to successfully meet customer.

What You Bring:

• Min 7 to 10 years of experience at US DoD Primes or at a company that directly supports them.
• Expert knowledge of integrated system hardware/software development, integration and test for deployed military vehicle applications.
• Experience leading and closing major design reviews such as PDR and CDR.
• Expert knowledge of the systems engineering tools DOORS and Cameo.
• Working knowledge of engineering development tools like Clearquest, JIRA, and Rational Development Tools.
• Ability to operate and debug Linux and VxWorks based computing systems.
• Solid understanding of SOSA and VPX system design standards.
• Solid understanding of serial communication protocols such as MIL-STD-1553, RS422, RS485, RS232, 10G and 100G Gigabit Ethernet, PCIe, USB.
• Solid understanding of the latest processing and graphics solutions.
• Ability to drive clarity to ambiguous requests or requirements.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced professional office environment.
• Experience conducting System Safety Assessment, Functional Hazard assessment and Failure Mode Effects Analysis is a plus.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills of rugged computing systems is a plus.
• Solid understanding of the latest processing and graphics solutions is a plus.
• Ability to operate and debug Linux and VxWorks based computing systems is a plus.
• Previous experience in RTCA/DO-254/DO-178 processes and FAA Certification is a plus.
• BS Computer Science, BS Software Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering preferred.

Who We Are:

The Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions facility in Santa Clarita, California is the center of excellence for hardware level system integration and advanced package design. Integrated Systems in Santa Clarita prides itself on experience, expertise, and low risk solutions. Our primary focus is understanding the technical challenges our customers face and creating partnerships in order to provide a high TRL solution.

For more information visit: Santa Clarita, California | Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions (curtisswrightds.com)

Compliance Statement

This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.

Equal Opportunity

Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition. For US Applicants: EEO is The Law – click here for more information. If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.

What We Offer Our Employees:

• Opportunity: As part of the Curtiss-Wright team, you have the opportunity each day to transform the way customers do business, as well as transform your career. Our entrepreneurial environment provides you with excellent experiences that enable you to develop your skills through stretch assignments and the opportunity to work with the best talent in the industry. You will have the opportunity to contribute from day one!
• Challenging Work: The work we do here is not only challenging, but it is meaningful to our customers, our employees and the communities in which they live and work. You are given the chance to work on some of the most advanced technology projects in the world. Now that something to be proud of!
• Collaborative Environment: The teamwork among our exceptionally talented people enables us to deliver some of the most advanced solutions to our customers.