This engineer for mission systems will serve as a senior technical leader responsible for the end-to-end engineering of mission systems on advanced next-generation unmanned aircraft, including RF and optical/infrared sensors (Radar, IRST, EO/IR, etc..), Electronic Warfare, and associated support systems. This individual will shape the technical direction of programs, ensuring that the aircraft delivers decisive mission capabilities through robust, integrated, and certifiable system designs.
In this role, the engineer will drive mission system architectures, lead requirement development and allocation, and oversee system integration from concept through flight test and fielding. They will ensure that mission systems, avionics, and weapons are seamlessly integrated into the aircraft while meeting mission performance, safety, airworthiness, and compliance objectives.
Develop mission systems requirements and architectures to ensure overall system effectiveness
Select mission system baselines through make vs buy trades and vendor engagements
Develop the integration & test verification plan to include resources from bench-level hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) to flight test
Define mission system software architectures including baseline processing and advanced algorithm development
Drive trade studies and system-of-systems analysis to balance performance, cost, and schedule
Serve as a technical subject matter expert for mission systems engineering across the aircraft program
Ensure compliance with MIL-HDBK-516C, DO-178C, DO-254, and related standards
Collaborate with program management to de-risk architectures and ensure technical maturity gates are met
Interface with customers, partners, and suppliers to align system requirements and certifications
B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
15+ years of relevant aerospace/defense experience, with at least 5 years in aircraft mission systems integration
Demonstrated experience with designing or integrating aircraft mission systems (Radar, EO/IR, EW, etc…)
Working knowledge of Government modular open system approach (MOSA) standards to include open mission systems (OMS), Government Reference Architectures (GRA) or modular avionics standards.
Strong knowledge of current aircraft mission systems vendors and capabilities
Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and deliver complex systems to fielded capability
Strong knowledge of systems engineering processes and product development lifecycle
Familiarity with DO-178C/DO-254 certification requirements for software and hardware
Excellent communication skills and ability to brief technical findings to executives and customers
Active Secret clearance and have the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
Master’s or PhD in Aerospace, Systems, or Electrical Engineering
Hands-on experience with flight test operations and mission system validation
Experience with designing or integrating multiple mission system sensor types (RF, optical, etc..)
Knowledge of international customer domestic mission systems
Direct experience integrating advanced sensors with autonomy and weapons
Experience with integrating mission systems onto unmanned aircraft systems
Background in model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and SysML tools
Active DoD Top Secret and/or SCI clearance