Temporary Aerospace Systems Engineer Jobs in California

Job Title: Systems Engineer
Company: Grid.aero
Location: Onsite 4 days/week [San Leandro, CA]

Grid.aero is building the next generation of autonomous aviation systems for defense and commercial applications. Led by experienced aerospace and technology operators and backed by leading venture investors, we solve hard operational problems at the intersection of autonomy, resilient logistics, and scalable air mobility. We move quickly, operate with urgency, and build systems designed for real-world deployment where small teams own meaningful problems end-to-end.

Read this, we mean it Above all, we look for exceptional builders with deep internal drive, massive throughput, hopeless optimism, and a relentless growth mindset. The people who thrive at Grid operate with urgency, learn quickly, adapt fast, and are energized by hard problems with no obvious answers. We value individuals who continuously push themselves and the team around them to improve.

This is an opportunity to work on products with national and global impact alongside a collaborative team that values technical excellence, execution, and mission focusRole Overview:
We are seeking a Systems Engineer with a background in system design and avionics. As the first systems engineering hire, you will take ownership of key architectural decisions for the aircraft. You will own top level requirements development for the aircraft and subsystems and work closely with hardware and software teams to select hardware for the aircraft. You will also be in charge of identifying appropriate airworthiness criteria for the aircraft, and interacting with relevant authorities to secure flight approvals.

As an early hire, you'll help lay the foundation for the company’s future growth, both technically and organizationally. You’ll have full visibility into our mission, work closely with leadership, and be empowered to drive innovation. If you’re excited about building something world-changing and want to play a critical role in shaping an early-stage company, this opportunity is for you.

What You’ll Do:

• Define and own the aircraft’s top-level system architecture, spanning avionics, software, and electronic hardware
• Identify and interpret applicable airworthiness and certification standards, and lead engagement with regulatory authorities to secure flight approvals
• Translate customer needs and regulatory constraints into clear, actionable aircraft- and subsystem-level requirements
• Establish and maintain requirements development, traceability, and change-management processes across the program
• Lead system safety activities, including hazard analysis and safety assessments, to ensure safe flight and operational compliance
• Develop system, software, and hardware architectures that meet performance, reliability, and safety objectives
• Own the aircraft’s electronic hardware domain, working closely with hardware, software, and GNC teams on component selection and integration
• Support EWIS development, including wiring architecture, hardware layout reviews, and component-level testing and validation

Key Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in aircraft systems engineering, avionics integration, or system architecture development
• Experience developing top-level aircraft and subsystem requirements and managing requirements traceability
• Familiarity with airworthiness and certification frameworks for fixed-wing aircraft (e.g., Part 23/25, experimental, or military standards)
• Experience performing system safety activities such as hazard analysis, functional hazard assessment, or safety assessments
• Experience defining system, software, and hardware architectures for safety-critical aerospace systems
• Familiarity with avionics hardware selection, integration, and verification for flight vehicles
• Experience working cross-functionally with hardware, software, and GNC teams in an aircraft development environment
• Familiarity with EWIS design, wiring architecture, and component-level testing preferred
• Familiarity with DO-178, DO-254, ARP4754, or MIL-HDBK-516 standards preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work directly with regulators and external stakeholders

Compensation: $140k -$180k / 0.1-0.3% Equity

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Grid.aero is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Legal Notice:

Grid.aero is committed to complying with U.S. export control laws. Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).