Chief Architect - Digital Phased Array Systems

Worker Type

Regular Job Description

AV, Inc. is seeking a visionary RF Solut ion Architect to serve as the ultimate technical authority for our next-generation Space RF and Digital Phased Array (DPA) product lines. If you are a recognized Subject Matter Expert in active electronically scanned arrays (AESA), satellite communications (SATCOM), or space-grade RF architectures, this is your opportunity to define the technology roadmap for future space missions. You will act as the technical bridge between customer mission requirements, multi-disciplinary engineering teams, and strategic IRAD investments. What You Will Do (Key Responsibilities) Define the Technical Vision: Architect scalable, modular, and high-performance digital phased array systems spanning RF, digital, FPGA, mixed-signal, and mechanical constraints.

Shape Future Space Missions: Act as the primary technical interface to defense and commercial space customers, converting operational CONOPS (Radar, EW, SATCOM) into elegant hardware/software solutions.

Drive Strategic IRAD: Guide internal research and development budgets to ensure our technology stays years ahead of the competition.

Lead Captures & Proposals: Own the technical architecture and write winning technical volumes for high-priority space program bids.

Ensure Mission Success: Partner with Product Line Chief Engineers to guide our designs through simulation, prototyping, system-level calibration, and flight-ready integration.

Champion Modern Standards: Drive the implementation of Modular Open Systems Approaches (MOSA) and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) across the Space RF division.

What We Are Looking For (Required Qualifications)

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• Phased Array Domain Expertise: 12+ years of engineering experience with a heavy focus on digital phased array architectures , RF front-ends, and high-speed mixed-signal interfaces (such as RFSoCs, ADCs/DACs).

• Space-Grade Architecture Experience: Proven track record architecting RF systems designed for low Earth orbit (LEO), GEO, or tactical space environments.

• Bid & Proposal Experience: Demonstrated success leading technical captures, writing technical volumes, and presenting complex architectures to DoD or commercial space customers.

• Systems Trade-Off Mastery: Deep understanding of the trade spaces governing SWaP-C, beamforming networks, antenna array physics, thermal management, and digital signal processing (DSP).

• Security Clearance: Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

• Preferred / Differentiating Qualifications Active Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance.

• Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering with an RF/Electromagnetics focus.

• Experience implementing MOSA architectures (e.g., SOSA, OpenVPX).

• Hands-on familiarity with MATLAB, Python, SystemVue, or HFSS for modeling phased array antenna patterns and system-level performance.

• Proven history of mentoring senior engineering staff and driving cross-functional alignment across RF, FPGA, Software, and Mechanical disciplines.

• Clearance Level

• TS/SCI The salary range for this role is: $154,500 - $247,250 AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

• 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 must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR 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.

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.

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

U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.