Senior Systems Engineer, UAV Open Architecture

DZYNE Technologies; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare benefits package

Paid time off and holidays

401(k) plan with employer match

Job summary

DZYNE Technologies is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer specializing in UAV Open Architecture in Irvine, California. This role involves leading systems engineering for Long Endurance ISR UAS Platforms, coordinating across teams to deliver mission-critical capabilities.

Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, with over 10 years of relevant experience in the aerospace or defense sectors. The salary ranges from $140,000 to $200,000 annually, accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering activities for Long Endurance ISR UAS Platform(s).
• Participate in the development of requirements and systems architecture.
• Translate mission needs and technical objectives into system requirements.
• Define and manage system requirements and interfaces.
• Lead planning and coordination of system validation activities.
• Execute system-level validation, including environmental testing.
• Partner with multidisciplinary teams for seamless system development.
• Lead failure modes, reliability analysis, and risk management efforts.

Skills

10+ years relevant experience in aerospace, defense or government contracting environments

Basic understanding of modular open systems approaches (MOSA)

Experience in Aircraft / UAV development programs as Systems Engineer

Familiarity with Government Reference Architectures (GRAs)

Strong foundation in Systems Engineering principles

Experience in creating environmental requirements

Familiarity with full system development lifecycle

Excellent communication and documentation skills

Education

Bachelors of Engineering in Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace

Masters degree in engineering discipline + 5 years experience

Tools

Familiarity with systems engineering tools (e.g., DOORS, SysML, MBSE)

Job description

About DZYNE

DZYNE Technologies is leading the future of autonomous defense. Based in Irvine, California, we develop and manufacture advanced airborne and ground-based defense solutions deployed in over 50 countries. Backed by U.S. Government Programs of Record, our technologies are field-proven, scalable, and production-ready.

At DZYNE, you’ll join a culture built on collaboration, integrity, and purpose.

We celebrate wins, value diverse perspectives, and support every team member’s success. Ready to do work that matters? Join us.

Position Title

Senior Systems Engineer, UAV Open Architecture

Location

Irvine, CA

Work Arrangement

Onsite

Position Summary

As a Senior Systems Engineer, UAV Open Architecture, you will lead the systems engineering activities for Long Endurance ISR UAS Platform(s). This role will interface closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and test teams to ensure timely and effective delivery of mission‑critical capabilities.

Required Duties And Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of requirements and systems architecture that adhere to applicable government open and common architecture standards
• Translate mission needs and technical objectives into clear, actionable system requirements
• Define and manage system requirements and interfaces from early concept through integration and flight test
• Lead the planning and coordination of system validation activities, ensuring alignment with design and operational goals
• Execute system‑level validation, including environmental testing, to ensure real‑world readiness
• Partner with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, integration, and test functions to ensure seamless system development
• Lead failure modes, reliability analysis, and risk management efforts across the development lifecycle
• Contribute to system reviews and documentation to support safety, performance, and reliability

Required Skills/Qualifications

• 10+ years relevant experience in aerospace, defense or government contracting environments
• Basic understanding of modular open systems approaches (MOSA) in defense systems
• Experience in Aircraft / UAV development programs as Systems Engineer
• Familiarity with one or more Government Reference Architectures (GRAs) such as AMS GRA, A-GRA, or OMS/UCI
• A strong foundation in Systems Engineering principles, especially as applied to complex, multidisciplinary systems
• Experience in creating and validating environmental requirements (e.g., temperature, vibration, altitude)
• Familiarity with the full system development lifecycle, from concept and design through test and delivery
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, especially in collaborative, cross‑functional environments

Preferred Skills/Qualifications

• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and their application in GRAs
• Knowledge of FACE (Future Airborne Capability Environment) Technical Standard
• Understanding of SOSA (Sensor Open Systems Architecture) systems
• Experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems
• Knowledge of systems engineering tools and standards (e.g., DOORS, SysML, MBSE approaches)
• Knowledge of military standards for environmental testing (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, etc.)
• Background working on rapid development programs or prototyping efforts

Education

• Bachelors of Engineering in Mechanical, Electrical or Aerospace degree preferred
• Masters degree in engineering discipline + 5 years experience preferred

Clearance Level Required

None

Export Control / ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information and technology subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). As a result, employment is contingent upon meeting applicable export control eligibility requirements and compliance obligations.

Travel Required

Less Than 10%

Working Conditions

The diversity of work conditions may range from an environment where there is little or no physical discomfort, such as a general office environment, to warehouse and other facilities.

Physical Demands

• Must have the ability to stop, stand, climb, occasionally lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
• Involves movement between departments, floors, and worksites to facilitate work.

Work Authorization Requirement

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship.

Salary

$140,000 – $200,000 annually

Benefits

DZYNE offers a comprehensive healthcare benefits package. Base dental, vision, life, accident, disability, and other core benefits are fully covered by DZYNE. DZYNE provides paid time off and paid holidays. Additionally, DZYNE offers a 401(k) plan with an employer match and immediate vesting.

EEO Statement

DZYNE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, DZYNE Technologies complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which our company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.