Chief Engineer - Space RF Systems (Satellite Communications)

AeroVironment • Albuquerque, NM

1d

About The Position

The Program Chief Engineer will serve as the technical lead for one or more SRFS phased-array programs in development. The role has overall technical responsibility for all program aspects including owning the engineering plan to deliver program objectives within scope, schedule, budget, and contract requirements. While maintaining technical baseline, the Chief Engineer is expected to manage risk and guide design reviews, verification and validation. Success requires a strong system/project-engineering foundation and proven experience developing, integrating and qualifying complex systems. This role builds strong, trust-based customer relationships ensuring successful program execution and positioning the system for future follow-on efforts. On any given day, the selected candidate may perform the following duties: Serve as the single technical authority for assigned phased-array programs; make timely, risk informed decisions. Leads and mentors a cross-functional engineering team (RF, digital, FPGA/firmware, software, mechanical, systems, test); set clear objectives and standards. Own the engineering plan and technical baseline from concept through V&V and delivery. Partner with Systems Engineering to decompose/manage requirements and maintain end-to-end traceability (contract → REQ → V&V evidence). Drive continuous improvement: capture lessons learned, update standards/templates, and propagate best practices across SRFS programs. Enforce systems-engineering rigor: lifecycle tailoring, SEP/SEMP conformance, and disciplined use of MBSE/architecture artifacts where applicable.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• 10 years’ relevant experience within an engineering field.
• Proficiency with computer software (Microsoft Suite of Programs, Adobe, etc.) for file creation, conversion, and consolidation, and project scheduling.
• Experience in business analytics and metrics reporting.
• Experience evaluating performance on current and previous awards regarding engineering, research and development, subcontracts, costs, and profit.
• Knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR/DFAR) mandatory flow down clauses and various types of agreements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US DoD security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in systems engineering or electrical engineering.
• MS/MBA in Management.
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications and requirements.
• Experience with US Department of Defense.
• Skill in working at the direction of a manager and following through on assignments in a timely fashion.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and complete assignments efficiently and accurately, while adapting to shifting or competing work assignments and changes in workload volume.
• Experienced negotiator.
• Excellent communication skills including speaking, writing, and listening, such that ideas and information are clearly conveyed, and meaning is obtained.
• Ability to smoothly handle variety of situations and problems that may arise – sometimes several at once – and solve them, or work with others involved to come to cooperative solutions, while understanding time and budget constraints.
• Skill in performing under the stress of frequent interruptions and/or distractions.
• A current, active Secret or Top Secret US Department of Defense Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the single technical authority for assigned phased-array programs; make timely, risk informed decisions.
• Leads and mentors a cross-functional engineering team (RF, digital, FPGA/firmware, software, mechanical, systems, test); set clear objectives and standards.
• Own the engineering plan and technical baseline from concept through V&V and delivery.
• Partner with Systems Engineering to decompose/manage requirements and maintain end-to-end traceability (contract → REQ → V&V evidence).
• Drive continuous improvement: capture lessons learned, update standards/templates, and propagate best practices across SRFS programs.
• Enforce systems-engineering rigor: lifecycle tailoring, SEP/SEMP conformance, and disciplined use of MBSE/architecture artifacts where applicable.

Benefits

• AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.
• For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level