Staff Systems Engineer

company

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.  
 
You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.

role

What You'll Do

- Work with a world class team of Mechanical, Electrical, Software and Design Engineers in Denver, developing innovative sUAS product lines and peripherals.
- Own the system requirements, and engineering baseline as part of PDW's portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems, payloads, mission systems, and supporting infrastructure.
- Partner with Product Management, our go-to-market team, and operational stakeholders to ensure our system requirements meet mission needs, product strategy and are complete, verifiable, and traceable.
- Lead Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) activities by developing and maintaining digital system models, architecture products, and engineering artifacts using tools such as SysML.
- Develop and manage system, subsystem, and interface requirements spanning aircraft, payloads, tactical radios, networking, autonomy, embedded software, and ground control systems.
- Conduct trade studies that balance mission effectiveness, technical risk, manufacturability, scalability, cost, schedule, and long-term product evolution.
- Develop and maintain system requirements, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), requirements traceability matrices, verification plans, and technical review packages.
- Support technical planning and support system integration, laboratory testing, flight testing, verification, validation, and customer demonstrations.
- Help establish technical direction, engineering standards, and development processes across electrical engineering programs.
- Participate in technical reviews, design reviews, and engineering risk assessments across multiple programs.
- Build organizational capability through hiring, mentoring, performance management, and career development.
- Develop resource plans, staffing strategies, and organizational structures to support company growth.
- Help build and scale PDW's Denver engineering hub as part of a world-class engineering organization.

Requirements

- Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or related engineering discipline, such as mechanical, electrical, software, etc.
- 8+ years of experience developing complex aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, or unmanned aircraft platforms from concept through production.
- Demonstrated experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies using SysML and industry-standard digital engineering tools.
- Proven experience developing and maintaining system requirements, interface definitions, verification strategies, and technical baselines for multidisciplinary systems.
- Experience developing or integrating systems such as small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), mission payloads, tactical communications, RF systems, networking, autonomy, or embedded systems.
- Strong understanding of systems integration, networking architectures, payload integration, verification and validation, configuration management, and the engineering product lifecycle.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical decisions and trades while influencing engineering direction without direct organizational authority.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with engineering, test, product and go-to-market teams.

Preferred

- Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related technical field.
- Experience developing and maintaining software engineering artifacts for highly integrated systems incorporating mechanical compute, sensing, communications, and power subsystems.
- Experience with AS9100, ISO9001, or similar quality management systems
- Experience supporting new product introduction, production ramp and high-volume manufacturing.
- Hands-on experience with UAVs, robotics, aircraft systems, or autonomous platforms.
- Experience supporting products deployed in demanding operational or field environments.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office or manufacturing equipment as well as various electronic power supplies and test equipment. Must be physically capable of the assigned duties.

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office and manufacturing equipment and may require occasional travel to customer locations or facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross-departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. This position may require working outside of core business hours as needed to support business and operational requirements.

ITAR Requirement

In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

- Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
- Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
- Paid Parental Leave.
- On-site gy m at Huntsville, AL & Denver, CO locations.
- Employer provided life insurance.
- Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
- Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position will have an annual salary, equity, and benefits. The salary range provided is a guideline rather than a fixed limit. Individual pay is determined by factors including geography, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.