Technical Director Systems Engineering - Counter UAS

Leonardo DRS, Inc.•Goleta, CA

1d•$188,727 - $254,782•Hybrid

About The Position

Leonardo DRS Land Systems is seeking a full-time Technical Director of Systems Engineering. This position is based out of our Goleta, CA facility and will have the option to work an in-person or hybrid schedule. The Technical Director will serve as the senior technical authority for the Goleta site within the Advanced Technology team, responsible for overall technical performance, technical execution, and engineering excellence across rapid development efforts. This role blends systems engineering leadership with hands-on technical direction to drive requirements to implementation and guide the design of products in a fast-paced, prototype-to-production environment.

Requirements

Master’s degree in engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience
10+ years of relevant experience.
Significant experience in systems engineering leadership (requirements, architecture, integration and test, verification, risk management)
Demonstrated experience with Counter UAS programs (development, integration, fielding, test, or operational support)
Experience leading rapid development efforts including prototypes, demos, and accelerated delivery timelines
Proven ability to serve as a senior technical decision-maker and lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams
Strong customer-facing skills: ability to present, defend, and communicate technical approaches clearly
Ability to work onsite in Goleta, California as required to lead site technical performance
U.S. Citizenship required.
This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

Responsibilities

Act as the site Technical Director and primary technical authority for engineering performance at the Goleta location
Own and drive technical execution, engineering rigor, and delivery quality across assigned programs and IRAD
Establish and maintain technical processes, design reviews, and engineering governance appropriate for rapid development and transition to production
Provide technical oversight of architecture decisions, integration approaches, verification strategies, and risk management
Serve as an expert and provide technical direction for Counter UAS system development, including sensor integration, tracking, command and control, and effectors integration as applicable
Lead requirements decomposition, interface definition, system architecture, and trade studies for C-UAS solutions
Ensure solutions align with mission needs, operational constraints, and customer expectations, including SWaP and latency considerations where applicable
Lead cross-functional teams through the full lifecycle: concept, requirements, architecture, design, integration, test, demonstration, and transition
Champion rapid prototyping best practices, including iterative development, early integration, digital engineering where applicable, and disciplined configuration control
Drive technical planning for demos, customer evaluations, field tests, and capability drops
Partner with Program Management to align scope, schedule, cost, and technical performance
Coordinate across software, hardware, RF, mechanical, test, cyber, and operations teams to deliver integrated system outcomes.
Works closely with engineering management team to provide budget, cost, and schedule input for design assignments
Engage with customers and stakeholders as a technical representative, often the DRS Chief Engineer, including technical interchange meetings, design reviews, and program briefings.
Participates extensively in preparation of the more complex and significant proposals.
Provide strategic insights and plans to progress Goleta’s growth and secure additional C-UAS business
Mentor technical leads, systems engineers, and senior engineers; build bench strength for growth in Goleta
Foster a culture of engineering accountability, innovation, and execution discipline.
Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization

Benefits

comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
employer matching 401(k) retirement plan
paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave)
parental leave benefits
tuition reimbursement
professional development support
life and disability insurance coverage
company contribution to a health savings account
telemedicine
legal insurance
401(k) savings plan
wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being
programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement
flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program
competitive vacation
health/emergency leave
paid parental leave
community service hours