Lead Systems Integration Engineer

AeroVironment•Simi Valley, CA

About The Position

The Lead Systems Integration Engineer is an experienced systems engineer and technical leader specializing in complex system integration, RF signal processing, counter-unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS), radar analysis, and engineering flight test support. The role leads multidisciplinary efforts to integrate hardware and software subsystems with external systems, evaluate performance, troubleshoot technical issues, and advance system development from concept through testing and field validation. The engineer leads system architecture analysis, integration planning, and technical strategy development to support current and future program objectives. Working with cross-functional engineering teams, subject matter experts, subcontractors, and program leadership, the role resolves complex technical challenges, establishes technical roadmaps, and ensures deliverables meet performance, schedule, and budget requirements. It also provides technical oversight and mentorship, and develops automated testing tools, simulation capabilities, and data-analysis methods using MATLAB, Python, and SQL. The position evaluates system performance through laboratory, hardware-in-the-loop, and field testing. Data-driven analysis is used to identify performance gaps, support failure investigations, and improve system reliability. The engineer communicates technical findings, program status, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership to support decision-making and program execution.

Requirements

Experienced systems engineering and technical leadership in complex system integration.
Expertise in RF signal processing and radar systems.
Experience with counter-unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS), sensor integration, and radar analysis.
Experience planning and supporting engineering flight tests.
Experience with laboratory testing, simulation, and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
Ability to develop test automation and data-analysis workflows using MATLAB and Python.
Knowledge of SQL, data analysis, statistical modeling, and database querying.
Ability to troubleshoot system integration issues and conduct root-cause analysis and failure investigations.
Ability to lead cross-functional technical efforts and coordinate engineering teams and subject matter experts.
Ability to manage technical priorities, milestones, deliverables, schedules, and budget requirements.
Ability to communicate technical findings, risks, and recommendations through documentation and presentations.
Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR requirements or be eligible for an export license; some positions require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.

Responsibilities

Lead system integration activities, including system architecture analysis, interface assessment, and integration with existing and emerging external systems.
Develop technical strategies and integration roadmaps to expand system capabilities and support future program requirements.
Provide technical leadership for RF signal processing, radar systems, sensor integration, and CUAS platform development.
Plan, coordinate, and execute engineering testing, including laboratory testing, simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and engineering flight testing.
Develop automated test procedures, data-processing tools, and analysis workflows using MATLAB and Python.
Investigate system anomalies, troubleshoot hardware and software integration issues, and support root-cause analysis and failure resolution.
Lead technical discussions across engineering disciplines and coordinate subject matter experts to develop solutions and actionable plans.
Manage engineering priorities, technical milestones, and team deliverables in alignment with program objectives, schedules, and budget requirements.
Evaluate subsystem and overall system performance, analyze radar signature data for target discrimination, and identify opportunities for performance improvement.
Collaborate with internal engineering teams, subcontractors, and program stakeholders on product development, production, troubleshooting, and system qualification.
Provide technical mentorship, training, and guidance to engineers, promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
Prepare technical reports, presentations, and status updates communicating system performance, integration progress, technical risks, and recommendations to leadership and customers.
Apply statistical analysis, data management, and database querying techniques to support engineering analysis, reporting, forecasting, and data-driven decision-making.