Lead Systems Engineer

AeroVironment, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to provide coordinated communications integration support for THAAD programs with international partners. The role requires leading teams, developing force design aspects, and presenting technical findings to senior management.

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years in systems engineering, THAAD experience, and DoD communications expertise. Active clearance and the ability to work with government and industry teams are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Active DoD security clearance (Secret) required.
• 10+ years of professional experience in systems engineering or THAAD-related programs.
• Experience with THAAD, MILSATCOM, or DoD terrestrial/satellite comms systems.
• Ability to develop and present reports to senior management.
• Proficient in system engineering processes and execution methods.

Responsibilities

• Provide systems and interoperability engineering for THAAD with international partners.
• Assist Engineering Lead with managing technical aspects of force design work.
• Support with international Tactical Data Link architecture and data link conferences.
• Coordinate force design efforts with agencies and stakeholders.
• Identify deficiencies in design reviews and propose fixes.
• Document and communicate technical findings to senior decision makers.

Skills

Systems engineering

Interoperability

Technical guidance

Senior management communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Master's Degree in STEM

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

PowerPoint

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description AV is looking for a highly talented Lead Systems Engineer to join our team! In this role you will provide coordinated communications integration support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Chief Engineer and United Arab Emirates (UAE) THAAD Engineering Lead.

Job Description

• Provide systems and interoperability engineering, analysis, and technical guidance regarding the THAAD weapon system with international partners.
• Assist Engineering Lead with managing the technical aspects of all assigned force design work
• Assisting with international Tactical Data Link Architecture, attending data link conferences
• Collaborate and coordinate on force design technical efforts with multiple external agencies and stakeholders
• Identify deficiencies and shortcomings in planned or ongoing design reviews and provide options for fixing them
• Document and communicate interim and final technical findings and results in a clear manner that is understandable to senior-level decision makers
• Actively participate in regular and ad hoc force design meetings and technical exchanges

Required

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or an equivalent technical/scientific discipline specifically related to area of specialty and an Advanced degree may be preferred at this level 10+ years of professional experience Active Secret clearance Technical understanding and experience with THAAD Experience with DoD terrestrial and satellite communication systems (MILSATCOM) Develop and present reports and presentations to senior management-level personnel; exceptional written and verbal skills required Works independently and/or leads teams to analyze and resolve problems Familiarity with Missile Defense Agency, Ballistic Missile Defense System, and/or THAAD Program Office work efforts Proficiency in system engineering and execution processes

Desired

Master's Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field 12+ years working on missile defense-related or other complex, large DoD program/project Tactical data links (TDL J, Link 11, Link 16) systems, encryption systems, precision timing systems (PNT), and DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) Military experience with Air Defense Artillery, Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and Common Data Link Interface-Module (CDLI-M) Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint Work within a collaborative environment composed of Government, prime contractor, sub-contractor and supporting contractor personnel in a badge-less contractor environment Self-starter with enthusiasm and capacity to learn in a fast-paced environment Prior experience within Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR About AV

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. Careers at AeroVironment