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.

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 or Germantown, MD

Clearance Level

TS/SCI

The salary range for this role is: $111,500 - $170,000

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.

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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.

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 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.

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.