Principal Aerospace Engineer – Autonomous System

SRC, Inc•Albuquerque, NM

7d•$115,000 - $160,000

About The Position

SRC, Inc. is seeking a Principal Aerospace Engineer with an autonomous systems background for an upcoming position contingent on task award. The role supports Department of War efforts to identify and defeat hard deeply buried targets (HDBT). It requires technical expertise in unmanned aerial systems; position, navigation, and timing (PNT); remote sensing; telemetry and communications; remote and autonomous sensor development and deployment; autonomy for precision placement and control networks; integration of technology into end-to-end WMD/HDBT programs; and transition strategies through Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). The selected candidate will collaborate across multidisciplinary government, military, and contractor teams. The engineer will develop delivery systems, optimize weapon performance, analyze platform integration and trajectories, and contribute to penetrator design and materials. They will design, develop, and evaluate autonomous systems, assess aerodynamic performance and operational environments, and integrate sensor and communications systems with ground control stations and host aircraft. The role also includes applying computational modeling, simulation tools, and empirical test data to improve aerial platform range, accuracy, and reliability, as well as supporting sensor technology from concept development through prototype evaluation and fielding. SRC is a not-for-profit research and development company working in defense, environment, and intelligence. The company describes an innovative, inclusive, and equitable work environment and a workforce of more than 1,400 engineers, scientists, and professionals. The anticipated salary range for this position based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is $115,000 to $160,000 annually; compensation varies based on experience, skills, abilities, geographic location, and business and organizational needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related aerial autonomous systems engineering field.
10 or more years of development experience.
Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance, or eligibility to obtain it at the time of application.
Proficiency in flight mechanics and integration of autonomous sensors.
Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as MATLAB, STK, or similar simulation environments.
Experience supporting platform integration activities, including aircraft-store compatibility, carriage and release analysis, or related systems engineering functions.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with current, preoperational, and developmental unmanned aerial programs within the Department of War.
Familiarity with MIL-SPEC and STANAG standards applicable to aerial platforms, testing, and airworthiness certification.
Strong knowledge of electronic protect PNT capabilities and PNT protect tactics, techniques, and procedures for aerial platform navigation and control.
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering or a related field, or equivalent advanced technical training.
Experience working in an agile or Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment supporting rapid development, prototyping, and field testing.

Responsibilities

Develop delivery systems; optimize weapon performance; perform platform integration and trajectory analysis; and contribute to penetrator design and materials.
Design, develop, and evaluate autonomous systems, including analysis of aerodynamic performance, operational environments, and integration across sensor and communications systems and ground control stations.
Assess aerial platform performance optimization studies using computational modeling, simulation tools, and empirical test data to improve range, accuracy, and reliability.
Perform platform integration to ensure compatibility between sensors, communications systems, and host aircraft.
Contribute to research, development, and integration of sensor technologies from concept development through prototype evaluation and fielding support.
Collaborate across multidisciplinary government, military, and contractor teams.
Integrate technology into end-to-end WMD/HDBT programs and support transition strategies through Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).
Produce and present technical deliverables to government stakeholders.