Worker Type Regular Job Description

Job Description: The Sr. Staff Systems Engineer works with our Design team to develop a variety of innovative Unmanned Systems for defense and commercial applications. This position will interact with Engineering and Program Management to allocate requirements and develop architectures. These development efforts will generally be performed by small, focused design teams, which will require engineers to use a range of skills and tools across traditional engineering, computer science, and mathematical disciplines. The engineer will need to work on a variety of stages of development including requirements definition, concept design, prototyping, detailed design, validation and verification testing. Position Responsibilities Oversee requirements traceability and evolution through the system development cycle Provide status of system development progress with requirements burn down Defines and allocates requirements for products and subsystems Evaluate system performance thresholds and provide engineering direction Provide critical input to the preparation of successful proposals, cost estimates, technical responses, specifications, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs) Ensures that integration efforts will satisfy all performance requirements, achieve delivery schedule, stay within budget, and meet cost targets Develop system test plans, procedures and reports Review and interpret customer specifications effectively Identifies, analyzes and resolves system design weaknesses. Influences the shaping of future products by contributing to the framework (architecture) used across multiple products or complex systems, spanning hardware and software development Work on significant issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles Acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments Provide guidance and mentorship to others in both their discipline and on company values Other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Bachelor’s in Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Systems Engineering, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience 12 - 15 years of experience in an engineering role Experience managing requirements traceability and evolution through the system development cycle Demonstrated prior experience in providing effective weekly status of system development progress with requirements burn down Has developed systems test plans, procedures and reports and reviewed and interpreted specifications Experience in writing system safety protocols and ensuring personnel safety during field testing Experience with software and hardware development on mission critical, safety assured systems Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Advanced degree is preferred Experience in taking a product from concept to production with contract manufacturers is preferred Knowledge of Jama, Cameo, and Jira preferred Able to understand software concepts, with knowledge of Python, C, C++, Kotlin, and/or Java a plus Exposure to Guidance Navigation and Control Systems along with Modeling Simulation and Control is preferred. Exposure to Model Based Systems Engineering is helpful but not required Familiarity with uncrewed systems and support equipment, as well as government programs and terminology Demonstrated experience in cybersecurity, including risk assessment, threat mitigation, and implementation of security protocols to protect digital infrastructure Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills. Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests Physical Demands Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment (Constant) Travel required to domestic US sites – up to 10%. Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) The salary range for this role is: $139,371 - $197,400 AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. ITAR Requirement: Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. Who We Are Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC. Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed. What We Do Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. ITAR U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.