Senior Systems Engineer (Onsite)

Sterling · Virginia-Sterling · USD 108,750-174,000 · 7+ years experience · Onsite · Posted Oct 1, 2026

At a glance

Axon is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to own the architecture and integration of counter-UAS systems from initial concept through production.
The role serves as the technical lead on programs, working closely with Mechanical, Electrical, RF, Firmware, and Software leads.

Architect fixed-site, portable, and mobile counter-UAS systems, and own the block diagrams and interfaces that guide development.
Own power, thermal, and weight budgets, balancing performance, size, and cost.
Lead concept generation and trade studies with internal teams and external partners.
Translate mission and product needs into testable system requirements.
Own requirements, interfaces, and verification criteria, maintaining traceability through V&V and change control.
Serve as technical lead and primary technical contact for assigned programs.
Lead SRR, PDR, and CDR, resolve competing constraints, and drive cross-discipline technical decisions.
Own system V&V from requirements through qualification, ensuring integration risks surface before certification and production.
Lead integration, lab, and MIL-STD qualification testing, and support field testing against live threats.
Drive the product-level qualification strategy and support regulatory certification for U.S. and international markets, including FCC, CE/RED, NRTL/UL, and EMC.

7+ years of hardware development experience with system-level ownership and technical depth in at least one of mechanical, electrical, or RF, plus working breadth across the others.
Hands-on aptitude in the lab and shop, with experience using hand tools, lab equipment, and shop tools to build, modify, and test hardware.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
Proven ownership of system architecture and cross-discipline technical decisions on integrated hardware, from concept through production.
Experience developing system requirements, interfaces, and V&V plans, and meeting U.S. and international certification requirements.
Experience with hardware development tools such as CAD, PLM, and requirements management systems.
Strong troubleshooting skills, sound judgment with incomplete information, and clear communication of technical risk to leadership in a fast-paced, high-ambiguity environment.
U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
Flexibility to travel domestically as needed.