Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Systems Architect

SNC is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Systems Architect to join our dynamic engineering team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall system architecture design and integration of UAS, ensuring that all subsystems work seamlessly together to meet performance, safety, regulatory, and cost requirements.

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and define the overall system architecture for UAS projects, including hardware, software, communication, and control systems.
• Lead the system-level design and integration of UAS, ensuring all subsystems (aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, navigation, communication, etc.) are effectively coordinated.
• Conduct system requirements analysis, trade studies, and feasibility assessments to determine optimal system configurations.
• Develop and maintain system-level documentation, including architecture diagrams, interface control documents, and system specifications.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, EASA), and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software developers, hardware engineers, and test engineers, to ensure system coherence and functionality.
• Perform risk assessment and management, identifying potential issues and developing mitigation strategies.
• Lead system validation and verification activities, including simulation, prototyping, and testing.
• Stay current with advancements in UAS technology, industry trends, and emerging technologies to drive innovation.
   

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Bachelor's of Science degree in System Engineering or related discipline and typically 14 or more years of relevant experience

• Higher education may substitute for relevant experience

• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices

• Progressive experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams

• Advanced understanding of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation; systems design, systems integration, technical risk identification and management strategies, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in UAS system design and integration, with a focus on systems architecture.

• Strong understanding of UAS technologies, including avionics, communication systems, navigation, propulsion, and control systems.

• Proficiency in systems engineering tools and methodologies.

• Experience with requirements management and system modeling tools.

• Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements for UAS.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think analytically and strategically.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Experience with MBSE techniques (e.g. Cameo, SysML, etc)

• Knowledge of the OMS/UCI standard

• Knowledge of Agile development process and tools like JIRA

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $165,010.21 - $226,889.04. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.

SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks pa