System Engineering Manager

Head of Systems Engineering & Test (Autonomy / Aerospace)UAV & Aerospace ManufacturerDallas-Fort Worth MetroplexSalary: Highly competitive + bonus + equityAirbotics Talent are exclusively partnered with an advanced autonomous systems platform company building scalable, AI-enabled technologies across defence, industrial and public safety environments.This is not a standard leadership role. This is a build role. You will define how systems engineering, integration and test operates across a multi-entity platform scaling at speed.The RoleYou will take ownership of Systems Engineering, Integration & Test as a capability, not just a function.This includes:Implementing MBSE (Cameo/SysML or equivalent) across multiple product lines and organisationsDefining and enforcing systems engineering standards, governance and lifecycle processesOwning system integration, V&V strategy and test architecture end-to-endEstablishing and scaling integration environments (SIL, HITL/SITL, digital test infrastructure)Leading certification and airworthiness across complex, safety-critical systemsDriving technical performance, risk and maturity across programmesYou will operate as a player-coach, remaining technically close to the work while building a team and capability that scales.The PersonThis role is suited to individuals who have already operated at a high level within complex engineering environments.You are likely to have:10–15+ years in systems engineering within aerospace, defence, robotics or similarly complex systemsLed systems engineering, integration and test across full product lifecyclesHands-on experience implementing MBSE in real-world environments (not just exposure)Delivered products through certification or airworthiness processes (FAA, EASA, military or equivalent)Built or significantly evolved systems engineering capability within an organisationYou are comfortable operating in environments with pace, ambiguity and high expectations.This role is unlikely to be a fit if:Your experience is primarily theoretical or process-driven without delivery ownershipYou have not led integration, V&V or certification activities end-to-endYou are looking for a purely strategic or non-technical leadership roleWhy Join?Define systems engineering at platform level, not just within a single productHigh ownership, low bureaucracy environmentWork on mission-critical autonomous systems with real-world impactJoin at a key stage of scale and integrationOur client is looking to hire this role immediately. Please apply with a resume for consideration.Due to confidentiality, not all details of this assignment are publicly disclosed. If this role is not quite right, please visit our vacancies page for other opportunities.www.airboticstalent.com/jobsAirbotics Talent are committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunities. All candidates are assessed solely on suitability for our clients’ requirements without regard to age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history or marital status.