Principal Systems Architect – Unmanned Aircraft & Autonomy

PDW; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 209,000 - 261,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site gym

BCBS medical, dental, vision coverage

401(K) with company match

Generous PTO and flexible leave

Job summary

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer, Product Architecture to define the technical foundation for PDW's next generation of unmanned systems. You will bridge Product Management and Engineering to translate operator needs into scalable architectures and verifiable requirements.

You will drive MBSE activities, maintain end-to-end traceability, and collaborate across aircraft, payloads, autonomy, networking, and ground control systems to deliver mission-critical

Qualifications

• MBSE methodologies using SysML and digital engineering tools.
• Experience creating product architectures and system requirements.
• Ability to lead cross-functional technical decisions and influence direction.

Responsibilities

• Own architecture, system requirements, and engineering baseline for unmanned systems and payloads.
• Translate mission needs into verifiable, traceable system requirements with stakeholders.
• Lead MBSE activities and maintain digital system models and artifacts.
• Develop and manage system/subsystem/interface requirements across aircraft, payloads, radios, networking, autonomy, and ground control.

Skills

MBSE

SysML

Systems design

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems/Aircraft/EE/ME

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Cameo Systems Modeler

Job description

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer, Product Architecture to define the technical foundation for PDW's next generation of unmanned systems. You will bridge Product Management and Engineering to translate operator needs into scalable architectures and verifiable requirements.

You will drive MBSE activities, maintain end-to-end traceability, and collaborate across aircraft, payloads, autonomy, networking, and ground control systems to deliver mission-critical