IPT Lead - Air Vehicle

Redwire Defense Tech•San Luis Obispo, CA

1d•$175,000 - $250,000•Onsite

About The Position

Redwire Defense Tech is seeking an experienced Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead – Air Vehicle to oversee the development, integration, and delivery of our uncrewed aircraft system (UAS). This role will lead the team responsible for the execution of UAS development from inception through transition to production and support. This role requires deep technical knowledge and leadership in key air vehicle domains, including composite airframes, propulsion, electrical systems, avionics hardware, payload integration, aircraft system hardware configuration, weight and balance, and aircraft performance. The IPT Lead will oversee the cross-functional team, ensuring that all air vehicle subsystems are integrated and delivered efficiently while meeting product and project requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field or equivalent experience.
10+ years of experience in aerospace, defense or UAS industries, with a focus on air vehicle systems.
Strong technical background in air vehicle systems, including composite airframe, propulsion, avionics hardware, and electrical systems.
Experience with aircraft weight and balance assessments, aircraft performance optimization, and system hardware configuration.
Experience developing field-use interfaces, including hard points, fuel cell mounts, and battery mounts.
Proficiency in engineering tools for CAD, analysis, and system modeling.
Familiarity with typical UAS payload interfaces, and formal customer/program documentation.
Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex air vehicle projects.
Prior experience managing air vehicle development from concept through testing and deployment.
Strong leadership and decision-making abilities, with experience managing teams in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent project management skills, including scheduling, and risk mitigation.
Effective communication and collaboration skills, with experience working across engineering, program management, and test teams.
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges across air vehicle subsystems.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a UAS Related Engineering, or related field is preferred.
Prior experience working on UAS air vehicle design and integration.
Experience supporting flight test and validation activities.
Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers within the team.
Adaptability to work in dynamic, high-priority environments with shifting technical challenges
Experience with composite airframe structures and advanced propulsion systems.
Knowledge of aircraft system integration and testing for UAS or military platforms.

Responsibilities

Take ownership of air vehicle projects defined by the business and developed within the team and drive them through development, integration, and completion.
Lead the air vehicle team to execute work across airframe, propulsion, electrical systems, avionics hardware, payload integration, weight and balance, and aircraft performance.
Ensure system integration for hardware mounts, fuel cell mounts, battery mounts, and payload interfaces
Work with Product/Technology directors and Project Engineers to develop and manage project plans, schedules, resource allocations, and risk assessments to ensure on-time and on-budget execution.
Interface with systems engineers, program managers, manufacturing teams, and test engineers to align deliverables with technical and operational goals.
Conduct design reviews, technical evaluations, and integration planning to ensure seamless coordination across teams.
Ensure compliance with performance, reliability, and safety standards throughout the air vehicle development lifecycle.
Provide technical leadership to resolve design, integration, and manufacturing challenges.
Support flight testing and validation efforts, working closely with test engineers to assess system performance.