SYSTEMS ENGINEER III

Department: Engineering
Reports To: Systems Engineering Manager
Location: Irvine, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Systems Engineer 3 provides senior-level technical leadership for complex aerospace and defense programs from requirements development through system design, integration, testing, and final acceptance. This position works closely with customers, Program Management, Engineering, and other stakeholders to establish system requirements, architecture, technical deliverables, schedules, and program objectives. The Senior Systems Engineer 3 also provides technical mentorship to systems engineering team members and serves as a key technical and quality resource throughout program execution.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interface with customers, Development Teams, and Program Managers to establish program requirements, system specifications, system architecture, technical deliverables, and program objectives.
• Plan, coordinate, and monitor the technical performance of Company programs.
• Develop system specifications based on customer requirements.
• Develop system-level test plans and test procedures based on program requirements.
• Analyze requirements for compliance when direct testing is not practical.
• Maintain a system-level view of program objectives and ensure system elements integrate successfully to meet customer requirements.
• Ensure effective integration of internal subsystems and interfaces with customer systems.
• Orchestrate system designs, prototype builds, system integration and testing, third-party environmental testing, final acceptance validation, and project documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead hands-on integration and troubleshooting, interpret measurements and analyses, and determine the technical adequacy of verification results.
• Ensure adherence to program requirements, technical specifications, and established quality standards.
• Identify and eliminate internal and external ambiguities in the design and development process.
• Identify technical program issues and lead Development Teams in developing and implementing solutions.
• Work closely with the Systems Engineering Manager and/or Director of Engineering to ensure system designs meet program requirements and established architectures.
• Work with Program Management to support programs remaining on schedule and within established budgets through effective coordination and communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Take ownership of engineering processes and serve as a principal quality liaison for assigned programs.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, guidance, and expertise to junior systems engineers.
• Develop and implement new technical solutions in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant systems engineering tools, technologies, and industry practices.
• Perform other related duties and activities as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field, with Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience, with 15+ years preferred, in highly technical research and development, engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or related environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in the technical development, analysis, integration, or implementation of complex engineering systems or applications.
• At least 5 years of experience managing technical projects, including schedules, budgets, resources, and technical deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary engineering teams and align team members toward common technical and program objectives.
• Experience interacting directly with customers and developing technical relationships centered on technical requirements and mission objectives.
• Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines, including electronics, mechanical, software, and systems engineering.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Visio, and Project.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with AS9100 quality standards and processes.
• Experience in aerospace or defense product development.
• Experience leading system-level integration, testing, and validation activities.
• Experience with third-party environmental testing and customer acceptance activities.
• Experience with formal engineering design reviews and technical program reviews.
• Experience with system architecture development and requirements management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Advanced understanding of systems engineering principles, system architecture, requirements development, integration, and verification.
• Ability to maintain a system-level perspective while coordinating complex technical activities across multiple disciplines.
• Strong technical project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage and communicate technical schedules, budgets, resources, risks, and deliverables.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to identify and resolve complex technical issues.
• Strong understanding of system integration and interface management.
• Ability to translate customer requirements into clear technical specifications and actionable engineering objectives.
• Strong customer-facing communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
• Ability to provide effective technical mentorship and guidance to engineering team members.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams toward common technical and program objectives.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain focus on overall program objectives.
• Ability to operate effectively under pressure and adapt to changing program requirements.
• High level of accountability, professionalism, integrity, and technical judgment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is a full time position based in Irvine, CA with a hybrid work arrangement and a 9/80 schedule providing every other Friday off. The position requires regular interaction with engineering, laboratory, and manufacturing environments and may involve working with prototype systems, electronic hardware, and test equipment. The employee may be required to stand, walk, lift and move equipment or materials, and work around laboratory and manufacturing environments. Travel to customer sites, third-party test facilities, and other locations may be required based on program needs.

SECURITY / EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

• U.S. Person under ITAR requirements required.
• Iris Technology Corporation does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

COMPENSATION

Salary Range: $130,000 - $160,000 annually

BENEFITS

• Flexible education benefits
• 12 paid holidays per year
• 401(k) retirement plan offered after eligibility (see 401(k) Summary Plan Description)
• Paid Time Off (vacation and personal) accrues at the rate of 80 hours per year (3.08 hours per biweekly pay period), with accrual at higher rates according to the length of service matrix (see employee handbook addendum)
• Five (5) sick days per year, prorated by the quarter hired in
• Long Term Disability - paid by employer after eligibility
• Life Insurance - paid by employer after eligibility. Supplemental Life Insurance - offered after eligibility
• Dental care - group plan offered after eligibility
• Vision care - group plan offered after eligibility
• Health care - 80% of the premium HMO plan allowed towards plan of your choosing (after eligibility)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) offered after eligibility
• Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on company performance and the achievement of revenue goals. This bonus reflects our commitment to rewarding team contributions when we meet our business objectives.