IPT Lead - Air Vehicle

WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $175,000 to $250,000 annually. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

SUMMARY

Redwire Defense Tech is seeking an experienced Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead – Air Vehicle to oversee the development, integration, and delivery of our uncrewed aircraft system (UAS). This role will lead the team responsible for the execution of UAS development from inception through transition to production and support. This role requires deep technical knowledge and leadership in key air vehicle domains, including composite airframes, propulsion, electrical systems, avionics hardware, payload integration, aircraft system hardware configuration, weight and balance, and aircraft performance. The IPT Lead will oversee the cross-functional team, ensuring that all air vehicle subsystems are integrated and delivered efficiently while meeting product and project requirements. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.
• Take ownership of air vehicle projects defined by the business and developed within the team and drive them through development, integration, and completion. 
• Lead the air vehicle team to execute work across airframe, propulsion, electrical systems, avionics hardware, payload integration, weight and balance, and aircraft performance. 
• Ensure system integration for hardware mounts, fuel cell mounts, battery mounts, and payload interfaces
• Work with Product/Technology directors and Project Engineers to develop and manage project plans, schedules, resource allocations, and risk assessments to ensure on-time and on-budget execution. 
• Interface with systems engineers, program managers, manufacturing teams, and test engineers to align deliverables with technical and operational goals. 
• Conduct design reviews, technical evaluations, and integration planning to ensure seamless coordination across teams. 
• Ensure compliance with performance, reliability, and safety standards throughout the air vehicle development lifecycle. 
• Provide technical leadership to resolve design, integration, and manufacturing challenges. 
• Support flight testing and validation efforts, working closely with test engineers to assess system performance. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The following are non-exhaustive qualifications for the position: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field or equivalent experience. 
• 10+ years of experience in aerospace, defense or UAS industries, with a focus on air vehicle systems. 
• Strong technical background in air vehicle systems, including composite airframe, propulsion, avionics hardware, and electrical systems. 
• Experience with aircraft weight and balance assessments, aircraft performance optimization, and system hardware configuration. 
• Experience developing field-use interfaces, including hard points, fuel cell mounts, and battery mounts. 
• Proficiency in engineering tools for CAD, analysis, and system modeling. 
• Familiarity with typical UAS payload interfaces, and formal customer/program documentation. 
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to deliver complex air vehicle projects. 
• Prior experience managing air vehicle development from concept through testing and deployment. 
• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities, with experience managing teams in a fast-paced environment. 
• Excellent project management skills, including scheduling, and risk mitigation. 
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with experience working across engineering, program management, and test teams. 
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges across air vehicle subsystems. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a UAS Related Engineering, or related field is preferred. 
• Prior experience working on UAS air vehicle design and integration. 
• Experience supporting flight test and validation activities. 
• Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers within the team. 
• Adaptability to work in dynamic, high-priority environments with shifting technical challenges 
• Experience with composite airframe structures and advanced propulsion systems. 
• Knowledge of aircraft system integration and testing for UAS or military platforms. 

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchasing Program (ESPP)

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.