Lead System Engineer, Model Based System Engineering

Worker Type Regular Job Description The Advanced Research and Development (ARD) Division is searching for a Lead Engineer to drive digital engineering and model-based system engineering for full system development lifecycle. The full system development cycle includes Modeling and simulation, proof-of-concept prototyping, minimum viable products, developmental test and evaluation, and system transition to operations. The ideal candidate has worked in this area for DARPA and Service Labs as well as the US Air Force, US Navy, or the US Army. Key duties include: Support/lead system architecture development and decomposition using MBSE (SysML/Cameo) to define interfaces, functions, and allocation across multiple domains Support automation of MBSE SysML model creation with ARD and other DISBU divisions, Support/lead the program in implementing MBSE as part of the broader digital engineering ecosystem Support management in maintaining cost, schedule, risks, issues, opportunities, and technical baselines for ARD IRADs and contracts, and support identification, tracking and proactive management of metrics for program execution and product performance. Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Masters Degree or PhD in Electrical, Software, Computational Neuroscience Engineering discipline (or equivalent). 5+ years systems engineering experience to include but not limited to system design, functional decomposition, requirements development, analysis, verification, and validation Experience with MBSE, Cameo/MSOSA, and/or SysML Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience) Experience developing and/or managing program baselines Demonstrated experience developing system architectures for complex aerospace vehicles or subsystems using MBSE (SysML/MSOSA) Performing or closely supporting development of architecture, requirements and verification for RF systems (Communications, radar, electromagnetic environmental effects (E3), etc.) or RF test systems/facilities. Prior leadership in system architecture or lead systems engineering roles; experience communicating architectural tradeoffs to stakeholders and customers Understanding of various engineering analyses, including affordability, safety, reliability, maintainability, testability, human systems integration, survivability, vulnerability, susceptibility, System security, regulatory, certification, product assurance and other specialties quality factors into a preferred configuration to ensure mission success Background systems engineering processes such as RIO and TPM management, technical review planning/execution, etc. Physical Demands Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment. Required to sit and stand for long periods (Frequent). Required to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent). Travel required to domestic US sites – up to 10%. Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance: Work is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating. May have some exposure to outside environment while traveling. Special Requirements U.S. Citizenship required. Existing DoD Secret top secret with an ability to SCI and special access Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S. Location Onsite in Dayton, OH Clearance Level Clearance Level The salary range for this role is: AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements. 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: . We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us. Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. About AV: AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. ITAR