Senior Systems Engineer IV

Frontgrade Technologies; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

401K match with 100% immediate vesting

9X80 compressed work schedule

Career growth opportunities

Tuition reimbursement/Student loan

Generous PTO and 11 paid holidays

Paid family leave

Job summary

Frontgrade Technologies is seeking a Systems Engineer IV to translate customer needs into verifiable requirements for space, aerospace, defense, and other high-reliability electronics. The role supports programs from proposal through production and coordinates across engineering disciplines.

RF/microwave experience is preferred but not required. The position emphasizes strong written and verbal communication and participation in key reviews to ensure project success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Systems Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in aerospace/defense or high-reliability electronics.
• Alternate: 12 years of experience may substitute for a degree.
• Alternate: 6 years with a Master’s degree.
• Alternate: 3 years with a PhD.
• Experience applying systems engineering principles to space/defense electronics.
• Experience developing and managing technical requirements and verification activities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage system requirements through the product lifecycle with traceability and change control.
• Develop system architectures and documentation with interfaces and new/updated specifications.
• Review requirements to identify gaps, risks, and clarifications.
• Coordinate across electrical, RF, mechanical, software, test, manufacturing, quality, and program teams.
• Define verification approaches and map each requirement to analysis, inspection, or test.
• Support SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR and other technical reviews with system-level material.
• Clarify requirements with customers and support program decisions.
• Assist proposals, trade studies, feasibility assessments and technical content for customer presentations.

Skills

Systems engineering principles

Written & verbal communication

Technical requirements management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Systems Engineering

Tools

IBM DOORS

Jama

Job description

Job Description

The Systems Engineer IV translates customer needs into verifiable requirements and practical solutions for space, aerospace, defense, and other high-reliability electronic products. The role supports programs from proposal through production and coordinates across engineering disciplines. It also helps shape new product concepts, specifications, verification approaches, and customer-facing technical content. RF/microwave experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Manage system requirements through the product lifecycle, including traceability, change control, and coordination of requirement updates with program and engineering teams.
• Develop system architectures and system-level documentation, including block diagrams, interfaces, and new or updated SCD specifications.
• Review customer and system requirements to identify gaps, assumptions, technical risk, and areas that need clarification or additional analysis.
• Work across electrical, RF, mechanical, software, test, manufacturing, quality, and program teams to keep the design aligned with system requirements.
• Define verification and validation approaches and align each requirement to analysis, inspection, demonstration, or test, with added focus on difficult or higher-risk requirements.
• Support SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and other technical reviews, including preparation of system-level material and closure of resulting actions.
• Work directly with customers to clarify requirements, explain technical approaches, resolve system issues, and support key program decisions.
• Support proposals, trade studies, feasibility assessments, early system concepts, and technical content used in customer presentations and marketing collateral.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum eight (8) years of experience in aerospace/defense or high-reliability electronics.
• OR (12) years of experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelors Degree.
• OR (6) years of experience may be considered w/ a Masters Degree.
• OR (3) years of experience may be considered w/ a PhD.
• Experience applying systems engineering principles to space, aerospace/defense, or other high-reliability electronic products.
• Experience developing and managing technical requirements, system documentation, and verification activities.
• Experience supporting proposals, customer requirements, or early-phase system architecture, with strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with spaceflight or space-based electronic systems; RF, microwave, communications, or defense electronics experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with RF signal chains, amplifiers, frequency conversion, filtering, antennas, or related RF technologies.
• Experience with requirements management tools such as IBM DOORS, Jama, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of space qualification, environmental testing, aerospace/defense design reviews, or applicable MIL-STD requirements.

About Frontgrade

At Frontgrade, we build mission-critical electronics that perform without compromise in the world’s most demanding environments, from deep space to national defense. With decades of proven heritage, we deliver high-reliability components, subsystems, and integrated solutions trusted when failure is not an option. But our strength is not just in what we build. It is in the people who make it possible. From engineers and product managers to sales teams, marketers, and skilled manufacturing professionals, every role plays a direct part in enabling missions that protect, explore, and connect our world. We move with purpose, collaborate across disciplines, and take pride in delivering solutions our customers rely on in the highest-stakes environments. If you want your work, whatever your specialty, to contribute to something bigger, you will find your place at Frontgrade.

Why Work for Us

We believe mission success starts with taking care of our people. That’s why we offer competitive health, wealth, and wellbeing benefits from day one. You’ll also find real opportunities to learn, grow, and advance, whether you’re building technical expertise, leading teams, or expanding into new areas. Here, your growth is part of the mission.

Additional Information

This position may require access to technology, materials, software or hardware that is controlled by either ITAR or EAR U.S. export laws. As a condition of any job offer, in order to be employed in this position, you may need to obtain a U.S. Government export license(s), as required by law.

Other Benefits Include

• Immediate Medical (FSA and HSA), Dental, and Vision
• 401K Match with 100% immediate vesting
• 9X80 compressed work schedule for qualifying roles
• Career Opportunity and Growth
• Tuition Reimbursement/Student Loan Repayment
• Generous PTO and 11 paid Holidays per year (9 designated holidays and 2 floating holidays)
• 8 weeks of 100% Paid Family Leave