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Intermediate Missile Defense System Architecture Engineer

AeroVironment

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At a glance

Compensation
No compensation found
Location
Arlington, VA
Work Authorization
Not specified

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Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

TS/SCI clearanceBachelor's degree

Job overview

AeroVironment seeks an Intermediate Missile Defense System Architecture Engineer to analyze future missile defense system architectures and concepts and support modeling and simulation tool development. The role assesses capability gaps against current and future threats, executes and evaluates simulations, and prepares analysis briefs and reports. Candidates need a STEM bachelor’s degree, at least seven years of relevant experience, an active Secret clearance, and the ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Missile Defense ArchitectureArchitecture ModelingArchitecture AssessmentResults InterpretationPresentationVerbal CommunicationWritten CommunicationCollaborationTime ManagementTask PrioritizationAFSIMMDS Simulation ToolsIAMDCruise Missile DefenseSpace SystemsM&S AlgorithmsSystems Engineering

Qualifications

Bachelor's in STEM7+ Years Missile Defense or DoD ExperienceActive Secret ClearanceAbility to Obtain TS/SCI ClearanceActive TS/SCI Clearance

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Match
Paid Time Off

Full job description

Arlington, VA

9304

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

AV is looking for a highly talented Intermediate Missile Defense System Architecture Engineer to join our team! In this role you will get to lead or participate in analysis of future Missile Defense System (MDS) architectures and concepts, and modeling and simulation (M&S) tool development to support architecture assessment.

Job Description:

  • Assess missile defense system capability gaps, challenges, needs, and opportunities against current and future threats to develop potential architecture solutions that mitigate gaps and/or improve performance

  • Assist in developing analysis plans, execute MDS simulation tools, post-process and assess analysis results, and prepare architecture analysis briefs/reports

  • Support modeling & simulation (M&S) efforts related to the above to tailor tools to specific analysis plans

Required:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) Field

  • 7+ years of experience in missile defense-related or other complex, large DoD program/project

  • Active Secret clearance

  • Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance

  • Solid understanding of the current MDS architecture and future concepts

  • Experience in modeling, assessment, and evaluation of future missile defense architectures

  • Strong skill in interpreting results and presenting findings clearly

  • Excellent ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, as well as collaboration with others to achieve objectives

  • Strong time management skills and the ability to assess tasks based on their importance and urgency

Desired:

  • Active TS/SCI Clearance

  • Experience with AFSIM or similar MDS simulation tools/frameworks

  • Background in IAMD/Cruise Missile Defense systems

  • Background or experience with space systems

  • Experience with the definition and use of advanced concepts and algorithms for the M&S of MDS architectures

  • Experience supporting systems engineering-related architecture design activities

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits .

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)

How this job compares

Set against the 864 open Systems Architect jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 4, 2026.

Pay
  • This postingNot listed
  • Virginia median$131–220K/yr55 salary ranges
  • US median$60–70/hr30 hourly ranges
Openings
Olive Jobs lists 64 open Systems Architect jobs in Virginia and 864 across the US. 12% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in Virginia
Experience
This posting asks for at least 7 years of experience; Systems Architect postings that state a minimum ask for 8 years at the median (729 postings).
Education
This posting asks for a bachelor's degree; 314 of the 864 open Systems Architect jobs (36%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 4, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.

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