Systems Engineer III (Operations Support)

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

The Systems Engineer III (Operations Support) provides critical engineering support to the Medium UAS Operations Action Center, serving as the technical liaison between field operations and engineering teams. This position focuses on rapid response technical analysis for field mishaps and anomalies, including telemetry data analysis, root cause investigation, and technical documentation. The engineer will develop mishap reports and Field Service Bulletins to support fleet operations and safety. Additionally, this role supports flight test activities with emphasis on Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and adjacent GNC systems. This position requires a systems-level understanding combined with hands-on analytical skills to quickly diagnose field issues and communicate findings to operational and engineering stakeholders.

Position Responsibilities

• Serve as primary engineering support for the Operations Action Center, providing rapid technical response to field mishaps and anomalies
• Conduct detailed telemetry analysis to identify root causes of system failures and operational anomalies
• Author comprehensive mishap reports documenting technical findings, root cause analysis, contributing factors, and recommendations
• Lead and coordinate Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) events, coordinating across multi-disciplinary teams
• Develop and publish Field Service Bulletins (FSBs) to communicate technical guidance, operational workarounds, and corrective actions to field teams
• Support flight test operations with focus on GNC, GNSS, and related subsystems including test planning, execution, and data analysis
• Analyze flight test data using MATLAB, Excel, and other analysis tools to evaluate system performance
• Review system telemetry and flight logs to identify trends, failure modes, and opportunities for system improvements
• Coordinate with engineering teams to resolve field issues and support investigations
• Participate in flight readiness reviews, test briefs, post-test debriefs, and mishap review boards
• Support requirements validation and verification activities related to aircraft systems and operational performance
• Interface with field service teams, operators, and customers to gather information and communicate technical findings
• Maintain test equipment and data analysis tools to support rapid response capabilities
• Document investigation activities, maintain issue tracking databases, and ensure lessons learned are captured
• Travel within and outside the Continental U.S. to support field investigations and flight test operations (up to 30%)
• Due to operational demands, must be able to work overtime occasionally and respond to time-sensitive field events as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 5 - 8 years of experience in aerospace systems engineering, flight test, or operations support roles (UAS experience strongly preferred)
• Demonstrated experience analyzing aircraft telemetry data and flight logs to diagnose system anomalies
• Strong proficiency with MATLAB and Excel for large dataset analysis
• Familiarity with various code bases and the ability to review code/algorithms
• Understanding of aircraft subsystems and avionics architectures
• Experience with technical report writing, including mishap investigations or similar documentation
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) with ability to convey complex technical findings to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make sound technical judgments under time pressure
• Proficiency with office software and computer-based productivity tools
• Travel within and outside the Continental U.S. required (up to 30%)

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Advanced degree in Aerospace, Electrical, or Systems Engineering preferred
• Knowledge of GNC systems, including autopilot hardware/software and flight control systems
• Understanding of GNSS systems, sensor fusion, and navigation algorithms
• Experience with flight test planning and execution
• Knowledge of Control Theory and understanding of transfer functions
• Experience as a pilot, aircrew member, or UAV operator would be beneficial
• Understanding of aircraft mishap investigation methodologies and root cause analysis techniques
• Experience developing technical bulletins or service documentation for field operations
• Has effective problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills with ability to diagnose complex system interactions
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across disciplines and organizational boundaries
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with competing priorities
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and support operational readiness
• Takes ownership and responsibility for investigations and technical findings
• Is committed to learning from failures and driven to improve system performance and safety
• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration, and puts mission success above individual interests
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain operational security

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in office, manufacturing, and outdoor field environments
• Able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and traverse across uneven terrain during field investigations
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer
• Lift and/or move between 11-20 lbs of equipment cases of varying size
• Lift and/or move up to 50lb cases of varying sizes & shapes

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$100,500 - $142,275

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: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com 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 required