Systems Engineer

Redwire Defense Tech; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matching 401(k)

Paid PTO

Paid holidays

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Disability insurance

ESSP

Job summary

Redwire Defense Tech in San Luis Obispo, CA is hiring an Entry-Level Systems Engineer to support UAV system development and integration, with a focus on weight tracking, power budgeting, and architecture management. This role suits early-career engineers seeking strong technical foundations in MBSE practices.

You will collaborate with design, analysis, and program teams, participate in design reviews, and contribute to cross-functional efforts that ensure compliance with requirements and program

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with mass properties, power systems, or system decomposition.
• Ability to work in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and standard engineering tools.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update the vehicle mass properties database and track weight data.
• Develop system-level power budgets and monitor consumption across subsystems.
• Assist with system decomposition, interfaces, and requirement traceability.
• Maintain MBSE models and participate in design reviews and configuration management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel

Mass properties

Power systems

System decomposition

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

MBSE tools (Cameo)

MagicDraw

DOORS

Jama

Python

MATLAB

Job description

WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $85,000 to $116,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

SUMMARY

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Entry-Level Systems Engineer to support the development and integration of complex UAV systems. This role is ideal for early-career engineers who are eager to build strong technical foundations in systems engineering practices while contributing to real-world UAV programs.

The successful candidate will play a key role in vehicle weight tracking, vehicle power tracking, and system architecture management, working cross-functionally with design, analysis, and program teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties:

1. VEHICLE WEIGHT TRACKING

• Maintain and update the vehicle mass properties database, including subsystem and component-level weights
• Track weight growth and margin against program targets and requirements
• Coordinate with subsystem owners to collect, validate, and reconcile weight data
• Support trade studies and design decisions through weight impact analysis
• Generate reports and visualizations showing weight trends and risks

2. V EHICLE POWER TRACKING

• Develop and maintain system-level power budgets (generation, distribution, and consumption)
• Track power usage across all subsystems and ensure compliance with system limits
• Interface with electrical, avionics, and payload teams to gather power data
• Identify and communicate power margin risks and potential constraints
• Support power-related trade studies and operational scenarios

3. ARCHITECTURE MANAGEMENT

• Support development and maintenance of system architecture products (functional, logical, and physical architectures)
• Assist with system decomposition, interface definition, and requirement traceability
• Maintain system models and diagrams using MBSE tools (e.g., SysML or similar)
• Ensure consistency between requirements, interfaces, and design documentation
• Participate in design reviews and configuration management activities

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Familiarity with engineering fundamentals (mass properties, power systems, or system decomposition)
• Ability to work in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and standard engineering tools

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Exposure to Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., Cameo, MagicDraw, or similar)
• Experience with data analysis or scripting (Python, MATLAB, etc.)
• Familiarity with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS, Jama)
• Internship or academic project experience related to aerospace, defense, or vehicle systems

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESSP)

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.