Lead Engineer, Advanced Behaviors & Algorithms (Aerospace)

TL;DR

Lead Engineer, Advanced Behaviors & Algorithms (Aerospace): Designing and validating tactics, decision logic, and mission-level behaviors for prototype aerospace systems with an accent on autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle operations in dynamic environments. Focus on developing behavior architectures, conducting technical feasibility assessments for early-stage concepts, and leading the end-to-end rapid prototyping lifecycle from simulation to flight tests.

Location: San Jose, California, United States. Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) as defined by ITAR/EAR.

Salary: $138,200 - $190,100

Company

Aerospace company building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to advance sustainable air mobility.

What you will do

• Lead the design and validation of advanced mission behaviors, tactics, and decision logic for prototype vehicles.
• Support the full rapid prototyping lifecycle, from conceptual simulation through hardware-in-the-loop and flight tests.
• Set technical approaches, standards, and validation methods for the advanced behaviors discipline within Special Programs.
• Conduct technical feasibility assessments of new opportunities, RFPs, and mission requirements.
• Collaborate with program leads and government stakeholders to align technical approaches with constraints.
• Produce technical documentation, trade studies, and analysis packages for design maturity reviews.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field.
• 8–12 years of relevant engineering experience, specifically in rapid-prototyping or advanced programs.
• Proven experience developing mission-level behaviors and decision-making logic for autonomous aerospace/defense systems.
• Proficiency with behavior modeling and simulation environments.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Culture & Benefits

• Pay-for-performance culture that rewards achievements supporting the company's strategy.
• Significant technical ownership and autonomy within a small, empowered team.
• Fast-paced environment focused on forward-looking defense efforts.
• Committed to an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces diversity.