[ Systems Engineer ]

Grid Aero, Inc.; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Significant equity stake

Opportunity to impact national security

Job summary

An innovative aerospace startup is seeking a Systems Engineer to lead aircraft architecture and ensure compliance with airworthiness standards. This role involves developing top-level requirements and collaborating with hardware and software teams. Ideal candidates have over five years of experience in aircraft systems engineering and a passion for innovation in aviation. Join a mission-driven team and play a pivotal role in transforming air logistics with significant equity options.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in aircraft systems engineering.
• Experience developing top-level aircraft requirements.
• Familiarity with airworthiness and certification frameworks.
• Experience with system safety activities and analyses.
• Strong communication skills for regulatory interactions.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the aircraft’s top-level system architecture.
• Identify and interpret airworthiness and certification standards.
• Translate customer needs into actionable requirements.
• Lead system safety activities for operational compliance.
• Support electronic hardware selection and integration.

Skills

Aircraft systems engineering

Avionics integration

System architecture development

Requirements traceability

Hazard analysis

Safety assessments

Avionics hardware selection

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Job description

About Us

Grid.aero is a VC-backed aviation startup tackling complex challenges in both defense and commercial markets. We are focused on solving real-world problems that will shape the future of the industry. Led by aerospace veterans and supported by leading venture firms, Grid is at the forefront of developing autonomous systems that will revolutionize how goods move through the skies.

Be part of a fast-growing, high-impact startup from day one. At Grid, your work will shape critical industries, driving innovation at the intersection of national security and global commerce.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Systems Engineer with a background in system design and avionics. As the first systems engineering hire, you will take ownership of key architectural decisions for the aircraft. You will own top level requirements development for the aircraft and subsystems and work closely with hardware and software teams to select hardware for the aircraft. You will also be in charge of identifying appropriate airworthiness criteria for the aircraft, and interacting with relevant authorities to secure flight approvals.

As an early hire, you'll help lay the foundation for the company’s future growth, both technically and organizationally. You’ll have full visibility into our mission, work closely with leadership, and be empowered to drive innovation. If you’re excited about building something world-changing and want to play a critical role in shaping an early-stage company, this opportunity is for you.

What You’ll Do

• Define and own the aircraft’s top-level system architecture, spanning avionics, software, and electronic hardware
• Identify and interpret applicable airworthiness and certification standards, and lead engagement with regulatory authorities to secure flight approvals
• Translate customer needs and regulatory constraints into clear, actionable aircraft- and subsystem-level requirements
• Establish and maintain requirements development, traceability, and change-management processes across the program
• Lead system safety activities, including hazard analysis and safety assessments, to ensure safe flight and operational compliance
• Develop system, software, and hardware architectures that meet performance, reliability, and safety objectives
• Own the aircraft’s electronic hardware domain, working closely with hardware, software, and GNC teams on component selection and integration
• Support EWIS development, including wiring architecture, hardware layout reviews, and component-level testing and validation

Who You Are

• Mission-Driven: You're passionate about solving big, complex problems through technology and driven by the chance to change industries.
• Innovator: You thrive on the challenge of working with cutting-edge technologies and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Builder: You enjoy the excitement and impact of working at an early-stage startup where your contributions directly shape the future.
• Collaborative: You work well with diverse, cross-functional teams and are excited to lead, mentor, and inspire others.

Key Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in aircraft systems engineering, avionics integration, or system architecture development
• Experience developing top-level aircraft and subsystem requirements and managing requirements traceability
• Familiarity with airworthiness and certification frameworks for fixed-wing aircraft (e.g., Part 23/25, experimental, or military standards)
• Experience performing system safety activities such as hazard analysis, functional hazard assessment, or safety assessments
• Experience defining system, software, and hardware architectures for safety-critical aerospace systems
• Familiarity with avionics hardware selection, integration, and verification for flight vehicles
• Experience working cross-functionally with hardware, software, and GNC teams in an aircraft development environment
• Familiarity with EWIS design, wiring architecture, and component-level testing preferred
• Familiarity with DO-178, DO-254, ARP4754, or MIL-HDBK-516 standards preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work directly with regulators and external stakeholders

Why Join Grid.aero

• Mission First: Tackle some of the most important national security issues of the day.
• Ownership: Receive a significant equity stake and help build the future of Grid.aero.
• Impact: As one of our first hires, you’ll have a direct and visible impact on the success of the company.
• Innovation: Lead the architecture of a game-changing product that will redefine the air logistics industry.
• Growth: Work alongside experienced aerospace founders and grow with the company as a key technical leader.

Compensation

$140k -$180k / 0.1-0.3% Equity

Equal Opportunity Employer

Grid.aero is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Legal Notice

Grid.aero is committed to complying with U.S. export control laws. Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).