Principal Systems Engineer, Product Architecture

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

Principal Systems Engineer, Product Architecture

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions. You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. Weoperateby a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.

Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Principal Systems Engineer Product Architecture to define the technical foundation of our next generation of unmanned systems. As the technical bridge between Product Management and Engineering, you will transform operational needs into scalable product architectures, system requirements, and engineering execution. Working across aircraft, payloads, autonomy, networking, embedded software, and mission systems, you will establish the technical baseline that enables PDW to rapidly develop, field, and evolve mission-critical capabilities for the warfighter.

What You'll Do

• Own the technical architecture, system requirements, and engineering baseline for PDW's portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems, payloads, mission systems, and supporting infrastructure.
• Partner with Product Management, customers, and operational stakeholders to translate mission needs and product strategy into complete, verifiable, and traceable system requirements.
• Lead Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) activities by developing and maintaining digital system models, architecture products, and engineering artifacts using SysML.
• Develop and manage system, subsystem, and interface requirements spanning aircraft, payloads, tactical radios, networking, autonomy, embedded software, and ground control systems.
• Conduct architecture trade studies that balance mission effectiveness, technical risk, manufacturability, scalability, cost, schedule, and long-term product evolution.
• Own the product digital thread by maintaining end-to-end traceability from customer need through product requirements, system architecture, design, verification, flight test, and production configuration.
• Author and maintain system specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), requirements traceability matrices, verification plans, and technical review packages.
• Lead technical planning and support system integration, laboratory testing, flight testing, verification, validation, and customer demonstrations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience developing complex aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, or unmanned aircraft platforms from concept through production.
• Demonstrated expertise applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies using SysML and industry-standard digital engineering tools.
• Proven experience developing product architectures, system requirements, interface definitions, verification strategies, and technical baselines for multidisciplinary systems.
• Experience developing or integrating small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), mission payloads, tactical communications, RF systems, networking, autonomy, or embedded systems.
• Proficiency with systems engineering tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler, or equivalent platforms.
• Strong understanding of systems integration, networking architectures, payload integration, verification and validation, configuration management, and the engineering product lifecycle.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical decisions while influencing engineering direction without direct organizational authority.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with engineering teams, executive leadership, customers, and government stakeholders.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Preferred

• Experience with DoD Digital Engineering initiatives, Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), Open Mission Systems (OMS), FACE, or other open architecture standards.
• Experience developing, fielding, or sustaining military unmanned systems or autonomous products for U.S. Government customers.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift/carry up to 35 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment, engineering laboratory equipment, prototype hardware, flight test equipment, and diagnostic tools. Must be physically capable of supporting laboratory integration, manufacturing activities, customer demonstrations, and outdoor flight testing.

This position typically operates in a collaborative office, engineering laboratory, manufacturing, and flight test environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment as well as engineering development hardware, prototype aircraft, RF test equipment, networking equipment, and integration tools. Occasional travel (approximately 15-20%) to customer locations, supplier facilities, and flight test sites is expected. This position may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions, manufacturing equipment, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required during manufacturing and flight operations. This is a fast-paced product development environment requiring close collaboration across Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Flight Operations, and Business Development. Standard work day Monday through Friday with occasional overtime and travel as operational needs demand.

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• On-site gym.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The pay range for this role is:

209,000 - 261,000 USD per year (Denver, CO)