Principal Engineer: Missile Defense & Countermeasures

AeroVironment, Inc.; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) matching

Flexible schedule

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in Huntsville, AL, seeks a Principal Engineer to provide MDA engineering oversight for target system payloads and countermeasures. You will act as a technical anchor from System Requirements through Product Acceptance, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate, on-time deliveries.

The role requires a Master’s in STEM, 12+ years in missile defense or large DoD programs, and an active DoD Secret clearance. Travel up to 20% is expected as programs evolve.

Qualifications

• Requires advanced degree in science, technology, engineering, or math.
• 12+ years in missile defense or large DoD programs.
• Active DoD Secret clearance required.
• Must manage end-to-end program lifecycles and fielding.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advisory on payload and countermeasure requirements, analysis, and testing.
• Review prime contractor designs, plans, reports, and procedures.
• Evaluate target instrumentation layouts, components, and testing methods.
• Support milestone reviews (SRR through PAR) with technical evaluations.
• Coordinate with TIMs and external MDA organizations for technical inquiries.
• Collaborate with cost analysts and schedulers to align budgets and delivery.

Skills

Missile defense experience

Program management

Technical assessment

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Master's degree in STEM

Job description

AeroVironment, Inc. in Huntsville, AL, seeks a Principal Engineer to provide MDA engineering oversight for target system payloads and countermeasures. You will act as a technical anchor from System Requirements through Product Acceptance, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate, on-time deliveries.

The role requires a Master’s in STEM, 12+ years in missile defense or large DoD programs, and an active DoD Secret clearance. Travel up to 20% is expected as programs evolve.