Senior Counter-UAS Hardware Systems Architect

Dedrone; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and 401k with match

Discretionary paid time off

Paid parental leave for all

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

Fitness Programs

Emotional & Mental Wellness support

Learning & Development programs

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Snacks in our offices

Job summary

Axon in Sterling, VA is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to own the architecture and integration of counter-UAS systems from concept through production. You will lead cross‑discipline teams and set engineering standards while delivering reliable, field-ready platforms.

This role requires 7+ years in hardware development and a track record of system ownership, with U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance. Onsite work and domestic travel are involved.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hardware development experience with system-level ownership and technical depth in at least one of mechanical, electrical, or RF, plus working breadth across the others.
• Hands-on aptitude in the lab and shop, with experience using hand tools, lab equipment, and shop tools to build, modify, and test hardware.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven ownership of system architecture and cross-discipline technical decisions on integrated hardware, from concept through production.
• Experience developing system requirements, interfaces, and V&V plans, and meeting U.S. and international certification requirements.
• Experience with hardware development tools such as CAD, PLM, and requirements management systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, sound judgment with incomplete information, and clear communication of technical risk to leadership in a fast-paced, high-ambiguity environment.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• Travel: Flexibility to travel domestically as needed.

Responsibilities

• Architect fixed-site, portable, and mobile counter-UAS systems, and own the block diagrams and interfaces that guide development.
• Own power, thermal, and weight budgets, balancing performance, size, and cost.
• Lead concept generation and trade studies with internal teams and external partners.
• Translate mission and product needs into testable system requirements.
• Own requirements, interfaces, and verification criteria, maintaining traceability through V&V and change control.
• Serve as technical lead and primary technical contact for assigned programs.
• Lead SRR, PDR, and CDR, resolve competing constraints, and drive cross-discipline technical decisions.
• Own system V&V from requirements through qualification, ensuring integration risks surface before certification and production.
• Lead integration, lab, and MIL-STD qualification testing, and support field testing against live threats.
• Drive the product-level qualification strategy and support regulatory certification for U.S. and international markets, including FCC, CE/RED, NRTL/UL, and EMC.

Skills

System architecture

Cross-discipline leadership

Troubleshooting

Clear communication

Lab and shop work

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Electrical/Systems Engineering

Tools

CAD

PLM

Requirements management systems

Job description

Axon in Sterling, VA is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to own the architecture and integration of counter-UAS systems from concept through production. You will lead cross‑discipline teams and set engineering standards while delivering reliable, field-ready platforms.

This role requires 7+ years in hardware development and a track record of system ownership, with U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance. Onsite work and domestic travel are involved.