Systems Engineer, Principal

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Systems Engineer to lead systems engineering activities for a family of Unmanned Systems supporting defense and commercial applications. In this role, you will: Lead mid-career and junior systems engineers across the full systems engineering V, including requirements decomposition, functional analysis (using MBSE), and verification and validation planning and execution. Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and integration teams to develop, review, and implement system architectures and requirements. Represent systems engineering in customer meetings and design reviews, presenting technical content and systems engineering artifacts. Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), mentoring junior engineers and driving process and tool improvements across the organization. Key Responsibilities Lead the development of requirements specifications, MBSE architecture models, and interface definitions. Plan and manage requirements decomposition, derivation, allocation, and traceability across hardware, software, and integration. Define and manage system interfaces, including creation and control of Interface Control Documents and related artifacts. Own and/or support system trade studies and analyses (performance, cost, schedule, risk). Lead verification and validation planning including strategy for establishing requirements compliance assessments; support the development of test plans and test procedures;; support test execution as needed. Develop and maintain foundational systems engineering documentation (e.g., SEMP, OSMP, integration plans, interface control plans). Serve as a primary systems engineering interface in customer discussions and internal/external design reviews. Lead and mentor systems engineering teams, promoting best practices, MBSE adoption, and continuous process improvement. Identify, analyze, and resolve system design weaknesses; influence future products and architectures spanning multiple products or systems. Make complex design and architecture decisions to meet stated and derived requirements, leveraging appropriate analysis, modeling, and simulation tools. Travel up to 15% to support customer meetings, design reviews, integration, and test events. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret security clearance. 15+ years of relevant experience architecting, modifying, and supporting complex systems, preferably defense and/or aerospace systems. Demonstrated proficiency in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using SysML v1.x and Cameo Enterprise Architect / Cameo Systems Modeler. Experience with requirements management tools (preferably Jama), including: Authoring and managing system, subsystem, component specifications. Establishing and maintaining end-to-end traceability to architecture, design, and verification artifacts. Demonstrated experience developing systems engineering and architecture artifacts, such as: Specifications, ICDs, architecture diagrams, CONOPS, trade studies, analyses. Experience planning and executing verification and validation: Verification & compliance assessments. Test planning, procedure development, and participation in test execution. Experience presenting systems engineering content and artifacts at technical reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR). Experience working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment and effectively communicating progress, issues, and risks to systems engineering leadership and program stakeholders. Ability to perform in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share broad responsibilities. Strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives. Excellent problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field from an ABET-accredited institution. Current, active U.S. DoD Secret clearance or higher. Experience with UAVs / UAS and/or weaponized unmanned systems. Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and methods for developing system models aligned and traced to Government Reference Architectures. Experience with SysML v2 and/or using AI-assisted tools for development of architecture models. Experience with MBSE methodologies and frameworks such as UAF and OOSEM. Experience with Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) implementation and compliance. Experience developing CONOPS, mission threads, and detailed use cases. Experience with program-level risk management, including identification, analysis, mitigation planning, and tracking of technical and programmatic risks. Broad technical knowledge in several of the following areas: Software / Embedded Software RF Systems Networking Optics (EO/IR) Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Natural and Induced Environments Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) Cybersecurity Reliability Engineering System Safety (e.g., MIL-STD-882) Weapon System Safety and Ordnance Physical Demands Ability to work in an office and production environment (Constant) Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) Clearance Level Secret The salary range for this role is: $154,500 - $247,250 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 U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.