ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Unmanned Vehicle System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AeroVironment, Inc.

System Engineer

Jessup, MD · On-site

$102K - $153K/yr

Who We Are Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft ... innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection in ...

United Airlines

Embedded Software Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$73K - $124K/yr

Experience working with autonomous or unmanned vehicle systems. * Knowledge of embedded flash ... programming tools and techniques. * Experience with communication protocols including TCP/IP, UDP ...

Minuteman Group LLC

System Engineer

Lexington, MA

System Engineer(Onsite) Location: Lexington, MA Background: The Systems Engineering Group develops ... on both manned and unmanned aircraft, and small satellites. Responsibilities: The selected ...

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

$120K - $170K/yr

AVIONICS SYSTEM ENGINEER, HITL (STARFALL) When designing new vehicles at SpaceX, Hardware in the Loop (HITL) testing is the very first time real hardware comes together in a complete system! The ...

Aergility

System Engineer

Dunnellon, FL · On-site

... unmanned aircraft product lines. You will work at the intersection of vehicle design, mission ... This role requires both hands-on systems engineering depth and the organizational discipline to ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsManufacturing JobsElectronics JobsUnmanned Vehicle System Engineer Jobs

Unmanned Vehicle System Engineer information

See salary details

$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do unmanned vehicle system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for unmanned vehicle system engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an unmanned vehicle system engineer do?

An Unmanned Vehicle System Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains vehicles that operate without direct human control, such as drones, autonomous cars, or underwater robots. They work on both the hardware and software aspects of these vehicles, ensuring their systems are safe, reliable, and effective for their intended applications. Their role often involves integrating sensors, communication systems, and control algorithms to enable autonomous operation. Unmanned Vehicle System Engineers may work in industries like defense, transportation, agriculture, or scientific research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an unmanned vehicle system engineer?

To thrive as an Unmanned Vehicle System Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering (typically aerospace, electrical, or mechanical), strong programming abilities, and experience with robotics or autonomous systems. Familiarity with software such as ROS (Robot Operating System), simulation tools, and embedded systems, along with relevant certifications like FAA Part 107 (for drones), is often required. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and adapt to rapidly evolving technologies. These skills are crucial for designing, integrating, and maintaining complex unmanned systems that operate safely and efficiently in various environments.

How does an unmanned vehicle system engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a project environment?

Unmanned Vehicle System Engineers frequently work alongside specialists in electronics, software development, mechanical engineering, and operations to design, test, and refine autonomous systems. Collaboration often involves regular meetings to align on project goals, integrating hardware and software components, and troubleshooting issues as a team. Effective communication is essential, as engineers must ensure that all subsystems work together seamlessly. This collaborative structure not only improves project outcomes but also provides opportunities to learn from other disciplines and contribute to innovative solutions.

What is the difference between Unmanned Vehicle System Engineer vs Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pilot?

AspectUnmanned Vehicle System EngineerUnmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pilot
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in UAV systems or roboticsRemote pilot certification, FAA Part 107 license
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test UAV systems in labs or field testing sitesOperate UAVs in real-time for surveillance, photography, or inspection
Industry UsageManufacturers, defense, research institutionsMedia, agriculture, inspection services

Unmanned Vehicle System Engineers focus on designing and developing UAV hardware and software, while UAV Pilots operate these vehicles in the field. Both roles are essential in the UAV industry but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What are popular job titles related to Unmanned Vehicle System Engineer jobs?

For Unmanned Vehicle System Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Unmanned Vehicle System Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,215 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

System Engineer

Jessup, MD • On-site

AeroVironment, Inc.
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about AeroVironment, Inc.external

$102K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

AeroVironment rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Summary
The Systems Engineer will play a critical role in maintaining the integrity, performance, and security of complex client/server environments. This position requires strong system administration expertise, a solid understanding of automation and security compliance, and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues in a fast-paced, mission-focused setting. The engineer will work closely with a small team that regularly collaborates with end users and customers, making strong communication skills essential.
Position Responsibilities
  • Maintain and enhance system integrity, performance, and security across critical client/server environments
  • Implement and manage system administration automation to improve efficiency and reliability
  • Ensure compliance with security standards, policies, and best practices
  • Support and troubleshoot networking devices and infrastructure
  • Administer and maintain Windows and Linux systems
  • Manage identity and access services including Active Directory, LDAP, Centrify, and Group Policy
  • Support containerized environments and Kubernetes-based deployments
  • Oversee patching, vulnerability remediation, and security protocol enforcement
  • Collaborate with team members, users, and customers to resolve issues and deliver high-quality support
  • Escalate critical issues to management with clear communication and documentation

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
  • Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • 6+ years of experience in a systems engineering role
  • Strong experience in System Engineering and System Administration
  • Deep understanding of security compliance frameworks and practices
  • Hands-on experience with networking devices such as Cisco, Juniper, and Arista
  • Proficiency in Windows and Linux system administration
  • Familiarity with Kubernetes and containerization technologies
  • Experience with Active Directory, LDAP, Centrify, Group Policy, and core network services
  • Strong knowledge of security protocols, patching processes, and vulnerability management
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly escalate issues to management
  • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph

Salary Range: $102,000 - $153,000
The AV pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data.
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

What AeroVironment employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply