Chief Engineer - Space RF Systems (Satellite Communications)

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

The Program Chief Engineer will serve as the technical lead for one or more SRFS phased-array programs in development. The role has overall technical responsibility for all program aspects including owning the engineering plan to deliver program objectives within scope, schedule, budget, and contract requirements. While maintaining technical baseline, the Chief Engineer is expected to manage risk and guide design reviews, verification and validation. Success requires a strong system/project-engineering foundation and proven experience developing, integrating and qualifying complex systems. This role builds strong, trust-based customer relationships ensuring successful program execution and positioning the system for future follow-on efforts.

On any given day, the selected candidate may perform the following duties:

• Serve as the single technical authority for assigned phased-array programs; make timely, risk informed decisions.

• Leads and mentors a cross-functional engineering team (RF, digital, FPGA/firmware, software, mechanical, systems, test); set clear objectives and standards.

• Own the engineering plan and technical baseline from concept through V&V and delivery.

• Partner with Systems Engineering to decompose/manage requirements and maintain end-to-end traceability (contract → REQ → V&V evidence).

• Drive continuous improvement: capture lessons learned, update standards/templates, and propagate best practices across SRFS programs.

• Enforce systems-engineering rigor: lifecycle tailoring, SEP/SEMP conformance, and disciplined use of MBSE/architecture artifacts where applicable.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.

• 10 years’ relevant experience within an engineering field.

• Proficiency with computer software (Microsoft Suite of Programs, Adobe, etc.) for file creation, conversion, and consolidation, and project scheduling.

• Experience in business analytics and metrics reporting.

• Experience evaluating performance on current and previous awards regarding engineering, research and development, subcontracts, costs, and profit.

• Knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR/DFAR) mandatory flow down clauses and various types of agreements.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a US DoD security clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in systems engineering or electrical engineering.

• MS/MBA in Management.

• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications and requirements.

• Experience with US Department of Defense.

• Skill in working at the direction of a manager and following through on assignments in a timely fashion.

• Ability to prioritize, organize, and complete assignments efficiently and accurately, while adapting to shifting or competing work assignments and changes in workload volume.

• Experienced negotiator.

• Excellent communication skills including speaking, writing, and listening, such that ideas and information are clearly conveyed, and meaning is obtained.

• Ability to smoothly handle variety of situations and problems that may arise – sometimes several at once – and solve them, or work with others involved to come to cooperative solutions, while understanding time and budget constraints.

• Skill in performing under the stress of frequent interruptions and/or distractions.

• A current, active Secret or Top Secret US Department of Defense Security Clearance.

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$160,000 - $226,800

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:

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.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required