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Systems Engineer Senior - sUAS Autonomy Job in Dayton, Ohio US

Systems Engineer Senior - sUAS Autonomy

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. - Dayton, OH

Posted: 1/17/2026 - Expires: 4/17/2026

Job ID: 293106186

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Job Description

Serve as the lead technical authority for a pivotal U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) autonomy program. We areseekinga highly skilled Senior Systems Engineer to lead the systems engineering of a common autonomy architecture and drive its technical integration into a variety of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). As the chief technical counterpart to the Program Manager, you willbe responsible forthe design, integration, and validation of theFramework of Autonomous Networked Tactical Open Modules (FANTOM)architecture.
This is a hands-on engineering role at the center of a fast-paced, innovative ecosystem. You will translate strategic goals into technical reality, ensuring thatcutting-edgeautonomy software is successfully deployed on platforms used by Special Operations Forces (SOF) within the Assured Airborne Engagement (A2E) program and beyond.

Core Responsibilities:
Autonomy Architecture & Systems Engineering

Lead the systems engineering lifecycle for the FANTOM autonomy architecture, including requirements analysis, system design, and the development of a technical roadmap.
Define andmaintainthe open architecture standards, system specifications, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to ensure modularity and interoperability.
Serve as the primary technical authority, making critical design decisions and ensuring the architectural integrity of the system as it evolves.

Hands-On sUAS Integration

Lead the hands-on technical integration of FANTOM autonomy software services onto multiple sUAS platforms.
Develop and execute detailed integration plans, troubleshoot complex hardware and software interface issues, and conduct testing in both lab and field environments.
Collaborate directly with platform vendors and government teams to ensure successful and resilient integration.

System Validation & Test Oversight

Design and implement comprehensive test and evaluation strategies to perform Verification and Validation (V&V) of the autonomy system at every stage of integration.
Provide technical oversight for testing activities, analyze performance data, and ensure all system requirements and safety standards are met.
Work with the Autonomy TestLeadto mature simulation environments and hardware-in-the-loop testbeds.

Technical Collaboration & Mentorship

Serve as the primary technical liaison between the program office and engineering teams at partner organizations, including GTRI, AFRL, and various industry vendors.
Translate high-level operational requirements into concrete technical tasks for the development and integration teams.
Provide technical mentorship to other engineers, conduct peer reviews of designs and software, and foster a culture of technical excellence.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
18 years ofexperience in systems engineering, integration, and/or software development for complex aerospace or defense systems.
Strong,demonstratedunderstanding of the full systems engineering lifecycle (e.g., requirements decomposition, system design, integration, V&V).
Experience working with agile development methodologies in a hardware/software integration environment.
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both engineering teams and non-technical stakeholders.
Experience with government/DoD acquisition programs and engineering processes.

Desired Qualifications:

AMaster'sdegree in a relevant technical fieldand 10 years of experience in systems engineering, integration, and/or software development for complex aerospace or defense systems.
Direct experience with autonomy architectures, robotics (e.g., ROS), or unmanned systems (UxS).
Proven experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and practices.
Hands-on experience with sUAS platforms, C2 systems (e.g., ATAK), and their associated software/hardware interfaces.
Familiarity with data communication technologies related to encryption, RF radios, and wide/local area networking solutions.
Knowledge of open architectures and standards (e.g., OMS/UCI).
Experience with C++, Python, DevOps/MLOpspipelines, and simulation environments.

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Interesting Work:



Our co-workers support some of the most important and critical programs to our national defense and security.





Values:



Our first core value is that employees come first. We challenge our co-workers to provide the highest level of support and service, and reward them with some of the best benefits in the industry.





100% Employee Owned:



We have a stake in each other's success, and the success of our customers. It's also nice to know what's going on across the company; we have company wide town-hall meetings three times a year.





Great Benefits - Most Full-Time Staff Are Eligible for:






Starting PTO accrual of 20 days PTO/year + 10 holidays/year

Flexible schedules

6% 401k match with immediate vesting up to $9k annually

Semi-annual bonus eligibility (July and December)

Company funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - a separate qualified retirement account

Up to $10,000 in annual educational reimbursement

Other company funded benefits, like life and disability insurance

Optional zero deductible Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance plan





Track Record of Success:



We have grown every year since our founding in 1993.



Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI) is a 100% employee-owned engineering services and solutions company that provides high-demand technical expertise in Digital Transformation, Modeling and Simulation, Rapid Capability Development, Test and Evaluation, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomy, Cybersecurity and Mission Assurance


MTSI delivers capabilities to solve problems of global importance. Founded in 1993, MTSI today has employees at over 20 offices and field sites worldwide.


For more information about MTSI, please visit www.mtsi-va.com




MTSI embraces nine core values including our first core value of Employees come first. Consistent with our Core Values, we are committed to Equal Opportunity, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. MTSI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with physical and/or mental disabilities.

MTSI is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Summary

Employment Type:
Full Time Employee
Job type:
Federal Contractor
Skill Based Partner:
No
Education Level:
Bachelor's degree
Work Days:
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Job Reference Code
86012583
Salary
N/A
Licenses / Certifications:
N/A
Display Recommended WorkKeys®Recommended WorkKeys®:
Applied Math: 6
Graphic Literacy: 6

Workplace Documentation: 5