System Engineer

About AergilityAergility is a small aerospace startup maturing from R&D to manufacturing. We develop heavy-lift and surveillance VTOL drones for demanding domestic and international markets, including defense and contested logistics missions. We move fast, hold high standards, and expect every team member to own their work from concept through delivery.Position SummaryWe are looking for a mid-career Systems Engineer to serve as a technical integrator and program contributor across our unmanned aircraft product lines. You will work at the intersection of vehicle design, mission systems, and hardware integration—helping translate requirements into hardware, tracking technical progress, and supporting the engineering team as we scale toward production. This role requires both hands-on systems engineering depth and the organizational discipline to manage schedules, risks, and stakeholder communication.Key ResponsibilitiesSystems EngineeringDevelop and own the Verification & Validation (V&V) plan; define test methods, success criteria, and traceability from requirements to test results for each program phase, across vehicle and payload subsystemsCreate, mature, and maintain process and product documentation and configuration management as the architecture evolves from prototype to productionLead integration planning and support software- and hardware-in-the-loop testing, ground testing, and envelope expansion flight testing; author test plans, procedures, and anomaly reportsPerform trade studies to inform design decisions across propulsion, avionics and autonomy, structures, and mission payloads; document trade rationale and present recommendations to technical leadershipLead or contribute to Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) efforts; develop and maintain system architecture models that serve as the authoritative source for interface definitions and behavior descriptionsMaintain a program-level technical risk register; facilitate risk review boards and drive mitigation actions to closureConduct and document failure mode and effects analyses (FMEA) and hazard analyses in support of system safety per MIL-STD-882 or equivalentProgram & Project SupportPresent at formal program reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR), monthly program reviews, and customer briefingsCoordinate with suppliers, subcontractors, and manufacturing partners on technical requirements and deliverablesSupport proposal efforts including SOWs, technical volumes, and cost structures for new domestic and international business opportunitiesLead progress reporting for government-funded programs (SBIR, DoD contracts)Cross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and aerospace engineers in a small-team environment where role boundaries are intentionally fluidSupport future manufacturing engineering staff to transition designs from development and MVP to pre-production and LRIPInterface with FAA, DoD program offices, and international partners as requiredRequired QualificationsB.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field7 - 15 years of experience in systems engineering, with at least 5 years supporting hardware development programsProven ability to lead system integration efforts across multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, software, and avionicsExperience managing project schedules, technical risk, and stakeholder communication on programs of moderate-to-significant scopeComfortable authoring and presenting at formal program reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and interfacing with government customers or prime contractorsDirect experience with UAV development and qualification testing, including ground test campaigns, envelope expansion, and flight test executionFamiliarity with UAV test planning documentation: test plans, test procedures, success criteria, and anomaly reportingU.S. citizenshipPreferred QualificationsExperience with rotary-wing or VTOL UAS platforms, particularly ISR, heavy-lift or multi-rotor configurationsBackground in avionics integration, autonomy hardware and software, or mission payload systemsFamiliarity with MIL-STD-882, DO-178, DO-254, or relevant qualification standards (MIL-HDBK-516, SAE ARP 4754, STANAG 4671)Exposure to government contracting environments (SBIR, BAA, OTA, etc)Experience using OnShape, SolidWorks, or similar CAD/MBSE toolsMilitary service, particularly in aviation, UAS operations, or systems acquisition roles; veterans bring mission discipline, team leadership experience, and operational context that directly strengthens how we develop and field our systems.Work Location & ScheduleThis position is based at Aergility’s Dunnellon, FL facility. A minimum of four days per week on-site is required; one day per week may be worked remotely at the discretion of the employee and with manager approval. The flexibility of one remote day is offered as a practical accommodation, not as a baseline expectation.Compensation & BenefitsAergility offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including equity participation. Specific details will be discussed during the interview process. We are a small, mission-driven team—your contributions will be visible and consequential.Aergility is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.