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Head of Business Unit - UAS and Autonomous Systems

Los Angeles

Systems Technology Inc. (STI) is a private, 100% employee-owned (ESOP) engineering consulting and product development company with a 60+ year legacy of delivering safety critical solutions to government and commercial customers. We combine the agility and culture of a startup with the stability and credibility of a longstanding aerospace innovator. Our growth plans are ambitious, and every employee plays a direct role in shaping our future. 

At STI, we look for true business partners—people who value transparency, collaboration, technical excellence, ownership, and accountability. If you enjoy solving complex, real-world problems and want your work to have visible impact, you will thrive here.


What You'll Do:

 

The Head – UAS and Autonomous Systems will lead STI’s strategic and technical efforts in uncrewed and autonomous aviation systems. This role is designed for a technically strong leader who is comfortable operating in early-stage R&D environments, translating advanced research into practical capabilities, and scaling promising technologies into sustained programs.

The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary engineering teams while managing a diverse portfolio of government-funded research programs, prototype development efforts, and commercial aerospace engagements.

The role combines technical leadership, program oversight, and strategic growth, with responsibility for advancing STI’s position in the rapidly evolving UAS and autonomous aviation ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

 

UAS and Autonomous Systems Leadership

  • Lead STI’s technical and strategic initiatives in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and autonomous aviation technologies.
  • Identify opportunities where STI’s expertise in flight dynamics, modeling and simulation, and autonomy can support emerging aviation systems.
  • Guide development of innovative solutions supporting defense, civil, and commercial UAS applications.

Early-Stage Technology Development

  • Lead engineering efforts that transition technologies from concept and early-stage R&D into operational prototypes and deployable capabilities.
  • Support the maturation and scaling of promising technical concepts into larger programs or operational systems.
  • Maintain active technical engagement with key projects and innovation efforts.

Program and Portfolio Management

  • Oversee execution of a portfolio of government R&D contracts, prototype development programs, and commercial aerospace work.
  • Manage multiple concurrent programs with varying technical goals, schedules, and funding constraints.
  • Ensure projects meet technical objectives, schedule requirements, and budget constraints.

Team Leadership

  • Lead and mentor a team of aerospace engineers, researchers, and program managers.
  • Recruit and develop engineers with expertise in autonomy, flight dynamics, simulation, and aerospace systems.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.

Strategic Growth and Partnerships

  • Identify and pursue new opportunities with:
  • UAS and autonomy technology companies
  • Defense and national security programs
  • NASA and federal research organizations
  • Advanced air mobility and emerging aviation startups
  • Support proposal development and capture strategy for new programs.
  • Represent STI within the aerospace and UAS community through technical engagement and industry events.

 

What you Need:

 

  • MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 7+ years of experience in aerospace engineering, aviation systems, or autonomous aircraft development.
  • Demonstrated experience working with Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) or autonomous aviation technologies.
  • Experience leading engineering teams in early-stage or research-driven environments.
  • Proven ability to translate research concepts into working prototypes or operational capabilities.
  • Experience managing multiple concurrent technical programs or R&D contracts.
  • Strong background in at least one of the following:
    • Flight dynamics and control
    • Autonomous aircraft systems
    • Modeling and simulation
    • Rotorcraft or vertical flight
  • Experience working with government-funded aerospace programs (e.g., NASA, DoD, FAA)

Compensation And Benefits:

Systems Technology Inc. offers all employees competitive pay along with a benefits package encompassing the following and more:

STI offers a competitive, performance-aligned total rewards package designed to drive long-term growth and accountability:

  • Base Salary: $170,000 – $200,000 (negotiable based on experience)
  • Total On-Target Earnings (OTE): $190,000 – $240,000+, with upside driven by transitioned revenue and product commercialization.
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • 401(k) Safe Harbor plan with company contribution
  • Medical (HMO – 100% company paid for employees and dependents)
  • Dental and vision coverage
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Dependent Care
  • Life and Long-Term Disability insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Fitness reimbursement and technology stipends
  • Tuition assistance programs
  • Year-round company-sponsored events and recognition programs

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

It is expected that this position will include domestic travel up to 30% and possible international travel. If this position is filled by a fully remote employee, proposed travel will include regular visits to the STI main facility located in Hawthorne, CA.

To conform to U.S. Government aerospace technology export regulations (ITAR and EAR), applicant must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Therefore, candidates will need to qualify as a US Person which is defined as a US Citizen, a Permanent Resident who does not work for a foreign company/foreign government/foreign governmental agency or organization, or a political asylee in compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations and DOD requirements.

At Systems Technology Inc. (STI) we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possesses the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $170,000 – $200,000 negotiable. Our compensation packages will also include a performance bonus, ESOP (Employee owned company) and 401k contribution. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

STI is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

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