Lead Systems Integration Engineer

AV; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 123,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Holiday shutdown

Job summary

AV is seeking a Lead Systems Integration Engineer to lead complex system integration efforts across RF, radar, CUAS, and platform interfaces from concept through field validation. You will drive architecture analysis, interface management, testing plans, and performance assessments while coordinating with cross-functional teams.

The role requires technical leadership, mentorship, and data-driven problem solving using MATLAB, Python, and SQL, with a focus on reliability, risk management, and

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex system integration programs across hardware and software subsystems.
• Strong background in RF, radar, and sensor integration.
• Experience with HIL testing and laboratory/field testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead system integration activities, including system architecture analysis, interface assessment, and integration with external systems.
• Develop technical strategies and integration roadmaps to expand system capabilities and support program requirements.
• Provide technical leadership for RF signal processing, radar systems, sensor integration, and CUAS platform development.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute engineering testing activities, including laboratory testing, simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and engineering flight testing.
• Develop automated test procedures, data processing tools, and analysis workflows using MATLAB and Python to improve testing efficiency and technical insight.
• Investigate system anomalies, troubleshoot hardware and software integration issues, and support root-cause analysis and failure resolution.
• Lead technical discussions across multiple engineering disciplines, coordinating subject matter experts to develop solutions and establish actionable plans.
• Manage engineering priorities, technical milestones, and team deliverables in alignment with program objectives, schedules, and budget requirements.
• Evaluate subsystem and overall system performance, analyze radar signature data for target discrimination, and identify opportunities for performance improvement.
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams, subcontractors, and program stakeholders to support product development, production, troubleshooting, and system qualification.
• Provide technical mentorship, training, and guidance to engineers while promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and status updates communicating system performance, integration progress, technical risks, and recommendations to leadership and customers.
• Apply statistical analysis, data management, and database querying techniques to support engineering analysis, reporting, forecasting, and data-driven decision-making.

Skills

Systems Engineering

System Architecture

RF Signal Processing

Radar Systems

CUAS

Engineering Leadership

Data Analysis

Experimentation

Test Planning

Cross-Functional Leadership

Tools

MATLAB

Python

SQL

Job description

Lead Systems Integration Engineer

Experienced Lead Systems Engineer and technical leader specializing in complex system integration, RF signal processing, counter-unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS), radar analysis, and engineering flight test support. Responsible for leading multidisciplinary engineering efforts to integrate hardware and software subsystems with external systems, evaluate system performance, troubleshoot technical issues, and drive system development from concept through testing and field validation.

Leads system architecture analysis, integration planning, and technical strategy development to support current and future program objectives. Collaborates with cross-functional engineering teams, subject matter experts, subcontractors, and program leadership to resolve complex technical challenges, establish technical roadmaps, and ensure deliverables meet performance requirements, schedules, and budget constraints.

Provides technical oversight and mentorship to engineering teams while developing automated testing tools, simulation capabilities, and data analysis methodologies using MATLAB, Python, and SQL. Conducts system performance evaluations through laboratory testing, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and field testing, leveraging data-driven analysis to identify performance gaps, support failure investigations, and improve system reliability. Communicates technical findings, program status, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership to support informed decision-making and successful program execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead system integration activities, including system architecture analysis, interface assessment, and integration with existing and emerging external systems.
• Develop technical strategies and integration roadmaps to expand system capabilities and support future program requirements.
• Provide technical leadership for RF signal processing, radar systems, sensor integration, and CUAS platform development.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute engineering testing activities, including laboratory testing, simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and engineering flight testing.
• Develop automated test procedures, data processing tools, and analysis workflows using MATLAB and Python to improve testing efficiency and technical insight.
• Investigate system anomalies, troubleshoot hardware and software integration issues, and support root-cause analysis and failure resolution.
• Lead technical discussions across multiple engineering disciplines, coordinating subject matter experts to develop solutions and establish actionable plans.
• Manage engineering priorities, technical milestones, and team deliverables in alignment with program objectives, schedules, and budget requirements.
• Evaluate subsystem and overall system performance, analyze radar signature data for target discrimination, and identify opportunities for performance improvement.
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams, subcontractors, and program stakeholders to support product development, production, troubleshooting, and system qualification.
• Provide technical mentorship, training, and guidance to engineers while promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and status updates communicating system performance, integration progress, technical risks, and recommendations to leadership and customers.
• Apply statistical analysis, data management, and database querying techniques to support engineering analysis, reporting, forecasting, and data-driven decision-making.

Core Technical Competencies

• Systems Engineering and System Architecture
• System Integration and Interface Management
• RF Signal Processing and Radar Systems
• Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS)
• Engineering Flight Test and Test Planning
• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing and Simulation
• MATLAB and Python Automation
• System Performance Analysis and Troubleshooting
• Root-Cause Analysis and Failure Investigation
• Technical Program Execution and Cross-Functional Leadership
• Data Analysis, Statistical Modeling, and SQL
• Technical Documentation and Stakeholder Communication

Worker Type

Regular

Clearance Level

Secret

Salary Range

$122,500 - $187,000

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 must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR 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. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

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.

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.