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Systems Engineering Lead

Oxnard, California, United States

Swarm Aero is redefining air power, building the largest swarming UAV and most versatile swarming aircraft network in the world. The company is moving quickly to launch the first aircraft designed specifically for swarming as well as the Command & Control software to mobilize swarms of thousands of heterogeneous autonomous assets and empower human operators to achieve superhuman results. 

The team has created and exited multiple startups, negotiated defense deals worth billions of dollars and designed and built 30+ novel aircraft, with aerospace experience from Scaled Composites, Airbus, Archer Aviation, Blue Origin, and Boom Supersonic. 

As the Founding Systems Engineer at Swarm Aero, you will create the process, modeling, analysis, and testing procedures that will help us design and build a new class of aircraft. You’ll help craft our certification approach and implement Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) processes to usher in a modern aircraft development methodology. We seek a talented and motivated Systems Engineer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of technical skills and practical experience and will be responsible for designing, integrating, testing, and supporting complex drone systems. 

What You Will Do: 

  • Lead cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software engineers, throughout all project phases. 
  • Collaborate with teams and customers to define project scope and initial requirements, progressing designs from concept to prototype and production. 
  • Provide technical analyses and define system functionalities, creating use cases. 
  • Decompose requirements, define system interfaces, and assist in determining validation and verification methods for the test team. 
  • Design and implement an ARPXXX-compliant aircraft development process that’s agile and tailored to our needs as a startup, in conjunction with the Chief Engineer. 
  • Establish and stand up modeling and simulation tools to enable a digital twin-aided test and certification process. 
  • Build and refine our Systems Safety Analysis process to improve aircraft and systems designs. 
  • Plan, develop, and execute certification strategies for new aircraft designs. 
  • Provide engineering support for the execution of the program’s test processes, including baseline definition, test architecture design, verification, and validation. 
  • Review test data and designs, offering recommendations for product and process improvements. 
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in drone technology, systems engineering, and industry best practices. 
  • Support regression testing, technical reviews, and technical interchanges. 

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM)
  • 7+ years experience in a Systems Engineering related role 
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas: operations concept development, requirements management, functional analysis/synthesis, interface definition and control, verification, and validation. 
  • Proven experience in systems engineering, particularly in the design and integration of complex systems. 
  • Participation in aircraft civil or DoD certification efforts. 
  • Experience with MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) processes. 
  • Strong understanding of drone technologies, including flight control systems, sensors, communication protocols, and autopilot software. 
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or similar. 
  • Knowledge of safety and regulatory requirements for drones is preferred. 
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. 
  • Strong communication and teamwork abilities. 

Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

  • Experience working on government contracts. 
  • Knowledge of systems engineering lifecycle, roles, and functions. 
  • Experience working with requirements databases like DOORS. 
  • Experience in DevOps and/or DevSecOps in an Agile development environment. 
  • Scripting knowledge (e.g., Python). 
  • Full-cycle development experience, including proposal, planning, design, and production. 
  • Ability to build trust, maintain positive relationships, and contribute to an inclusive culture. 
  • Strong oral and written communication skills. 
  • Familiarity with Agile toolsets (JIRA, Confluence, BitBucket, etc.). 

    Compensation Range:

    • $145,000 - $180,000 + Equity 

    What we Offer

    • Meaningful equity stake in a high-growth defense technology company
    • Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
    • Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401k
    • PTO and Paid Sick Time
    • Monthly Wellness Stipend
    • Daily catered lunch to office
    • Paid Parental leave
    • Flexible work arrangement - remote/hybrid with regular collaboration in Oxnard
    • Direct impact opportunity - be a key leader in building a critical technology for national security
    • World-class team - work alongside exceptional engineers and operators solving hard problems

     

    To conform to U.S. Government controlled technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

 

To conform to U.S. Government controlled technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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