Description
WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA or Remote
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $240,000.00 to $268,840.00 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.
SUMMARY
Redwire Defense Tech (formerly Edge Autonomy) is seeking an experienced Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead – Flight Systems & GNC Lead to oversee the development, integration, and delivery of our flight critical avionics. This role will be responsible for the execution of projects from conceptual requirements, design, test and verification through completion and deployment. This role requires deep technical knowledge and leadership in key air vehicle domains, including Guidance, Navigation & Control, Embedded SW development, electrical system integration and aircraft performance. The IPT Lead will oversee cross-functional teams, ensuring that all air vehicle avionics subsystems are integrated and delivered efficiently while meeting product and project requirements.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.
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Take ownership of development projects handed off from leadership and drive them through development, integration, and completion.
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Lead cross-functional teams to execute work across power systems, propulsion, electrical systems, avionics, embedded software and aircraft performance.
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Work with Product/Technology directors and Project Engineers to develop and manage project plans, schedules, resource allocations, and risk assessments to ensure on-time and on-budget execution.
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Interface with systems engineers, program managers, air vehicle mechanical and electrical teams, and test engineers to align deliverables with technical and operational goals.
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Conduct design reviews, technical evaluations, and integration planning to ensure seamless coordination across teams.
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Ensure compliance with performance, reliability, and safety standards throughout the air vehicle development lifecycle.
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Provide technical leadership to resolve design, integration, and manufacturing challenges.
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Support flight testing and validation efforts, working closely with test engineers to assess system performance.
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Define the long-term GNC and flight-systems architecture for all current and future aircraft.
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Serve as final technical authority for flight behavior, control algorithms, navigation architectures, and estimator frameworks.
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Lead high-impact research and technology efforts to advance autonomous flight, resilient control, fault tolerance, and advanced estimation.
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Architect modeling and simulation ecosystems, enabling rapid development, validation, and envelope expansion.
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Guide integration of cutting-edge sensors, avionics, and propulsion technologies into unified flight behavior strategies.
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Lead root-cause analysis and resolution of complex or novel flight anomalies that span mechanical, electrical, software, and mission systems.
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Mentor senior, staff, and senior staff engineers—building the company’s next generation of flight-control experts.
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Collaborate with executive leadership to determine IRAD priorities, organizational investments, and capability-building initiatives.
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Represent engineering capabilities to customers, auditors, regulators, and strategic partners.
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Support major flight-test campaigns, including new airframe first flight, advanced autonomy demonstrations, and experimental control modes.
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Establish and enforce engineering standards, methodologies, modeling conventions, and coding practices for GNC systems.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
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Strong technical background in air vehicle systems, guidance, navigation and control
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Proficiency in engineering tools and technology to support development (i.e. Matlab, Simulink, Python, C/C++)
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10+ years of experience in aerospace, defense or UAS industries, with a focus on air vehicle systems.
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Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects.
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Prior experience managing air vehicle development from concept through testing and deployment.
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Strong leadership and decision-making abilities, with experience managing teams in a fast-paced environment.
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Excellent project management skills, including scheduling, risk mitigation, and resource planning.
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Effective communication and collaboration skills, with experience working across engineering, program management, and test teams.
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Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges across air vehicle subsystems.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
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Prior experience working on UAS air vehicle design and integration.
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Experience supporting flight test and validation activities.
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Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers within the team.
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Adaptability to work in dynamic, high-priority environments with shifting technical challenges
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Knowledge of aircraft system integration and testing for UAS or military platforms.
REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS
- Matching 401(k)
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Paid PTO
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Paid holidays
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Medical, vision, and dental insurance
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Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
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HSA and FSA Options
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Critical Care Plan
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Accident Care Plan
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Employee Stock Purchase Plan
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.
REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.
