NAVAIR Systems Engineer, Senior

AMERICAN SYSTEMS; California; On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is seeking a Systems Engineer for NAVAIR to collaborate with a team delivering mission-critical avionics software. The role focuses on reviewing, verifying, and ensuring software quality, cybersecurity, and DoD compliance across the full lifecycle.

The candidate will analyze source code, architecture, and test results, mentor others, and liaise with OEMs and government stakeholders. DoD Secret clearance required, Top Secret possible, Bachelor's degree, 6–10 years of experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field.
• DoD Secret clearance, able to obtain Top Secret.
• 6–10 years of software engineering experience.
• Experience reviewing code in C, C++, Ada, Assembly, or Python.
• Knowledge of DevSecOps, CI/CD, containerization, and automated testing.

Responsibilities

• Review OEM-developed software, source code, and deliverables.
• Assess software quality, cybersecurity, and compliance with standards.
• Evaluate CDRL documents such as SVDs, SDPs, SDDs, and test reports.
• Review SAST, SCA, dynamic analysis, and software test results.
• Verify compliance with MISRA C/C++ and SEI CERT C secure coding standards.
• Assess structural code coverage and reliability for safety-critical avionics software.
• Identify technical risks and advise leadership on trade-offs.
• Support acquisition and modernization as technical lead or program support engineer.
• Coordinate with OEMs, contractors, and government stakeholders.
• Present findings, risks, and readiness assessments to leadership.
• Travel as needed to support audits and reviews.

Skills

C

C++

Ada

Assembly

Python

DevSecOps

CI/CD

Containerization

Automated testing

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

SAST

SCA

Dynamic analysis

Job description

Overview

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.

As our next Systems Engineer for NAVAIR,you'll collaborate with talented professionals to create innovative, mission-critical solutions that empower naval aviation and defense operations. Your expertise will help shape cutting-edge systems, enhance national security, and drive technological advancement for our nation.

Responsibilities

This position serves as the government technical authority for reviewing, assessing, and verifying contractor- and OEM-developed software used in H-1 aircraft systems. The role focuses on software quality, cybersecurity, compliance, and technical documentation review across the full software lifecycle.

This is not a production software development role. Instead, the engineer evaluates source code, software architecture, test results, and contractor deliverables to ensure systems meet technical, security, and DoD requirements before being integrated into fleet aircraft.

Responsibilities

• Review OEM-developed software, source code, repositories, and technical deliverables
• Assess software quality, maintainability, cybersecurity, and compliance with technical standards
• Evaluate CDRL documentation such as SVDs, SDPs, SDDs, and test reports
• Review SAST, SCA, dynamic analysis, and software test results
• Verify compliance with secure coding standards such as MISRA C/C++ and SEI CERT C
• Assess structural code coverage and reliability for safety-critical avionics software
• Identify technical risks and advise leadership on engineering trade-offs and decisions
• Support acquisition and modernization efforts as a technical lead or program support engineer
• Coordinate with OEMs, contractors, and government stakeholders
• Present technical findings, risks, and readiness assessments to leadership
• Travel as needed to support audits, integration efforts, and technical reviews

Qualifications

Candidates should bring:

• A strong foundation in software engineering or computer science
• At least 6-10 years of experience
• Experience working with or reviewing code in languages such as C, C++, Ada, Assembly, or Python
• Familiarity with modern software development practices such as DevSecOps, CI/CD, containerization, and automated testing
• The ability to mentor others and contribute to a technically rigorous team environment
• A willingness to support defense programs and work within classified environments
• DoD Secret clearance, with ability to obtain a Top Secret if necessary. U.S Citizenship Required.
• Bachelor's Degree in a related Technical Field.

Preferred: Experience with DoD platforms, embedded software, avionics, or software assurance.

Pay Transparency Statement

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $105,000.00/Yr. - USD $145,000/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.

EEO Statement

EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status