Demo

SYSTEMS ARCHITECT / SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LEAD

Knightwerx
Scottsdale, AZ Full Time
POSTED ON 10/2/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/30/2026

SYSTEMS ARCHITECT / SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LEAD

About Knightwerx

Knightwerx is building the next generation of autonomous and mission-critical unmanned systems. We move fast, solve hard engineering problems, and bring products from concept to deployment with speed and purpose.


Position Overview

Knightwerx is seeking a Systems Architect / Systems Engineering Lead to own the development and execution of our systems engineering framework across multiple Group 1-3 UAV platforms and programs. This individual will establish and manage Requirements Management Systems (RMS), Test Management Systems (TMS), requirements traceability, verification, validation, and system architecture activities while serving as the technical bridge across engineering disciplines.


What You Will Do

  • Lead systems engineering activities across multiple Group 1-3 UAV programs from concept through deployment.
  • Develop and maintain system architectures, interfaces, requirements hierarchies and verification strategies.
  • Establish and manage Requirements Management Systems (RMS) and Test Management Systems (TMS).
  • Create and enforce end-to-end requirements traceability.
  • Own verification and validation planning, execution and reporting.
  • Serve as the system architecture lead for Group 1-3 UAV platforms and payload integrations.
  • Lead SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR and flight readiness reviews.
  • Collaborate with software, autonomy, avionics, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing and flight test teams.
  • Evaluate and implement MBSE methodologies and tools where appropriate.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
  • 8 years of Systems Engineering experience.
  • 5 years supporting Group 1-3 UAV/UAS programs.
  • Proven experience developing system architectures for airborne platforms.
  • Experience establishing and managing RMS and TMS environments.
  • Strong understanding of requirements traceability, verification and validation.
  • Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams through the full product lifecycle.
  • Strong communication and technical documentation skills.
  • Eligible to work on U.S. Government contracts.


Preferred Qualifications

  • MBSE experience.
  • Cameo, MagicDraw, SysML, DOORS, Jama or Polarion experience.
  • Autonomous systems, aerospace or defense experience.
  • Understanding of avionics, autonomy, communications systems and payload integration.
  • Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.


Why Knightwerx

  • Work on cutting-edge autonomous and unmanned systems.
  • Make a direct impact in a rapidly growing startup.
  • Work alongside a world-class engineering team.
  • See your work move from concept to flight and customer deployment.
  • Competitive compensation and relocation assistance.
  • Relocation Assistance Available


Salary.com Estimation for SYSTEMS ARCHITECT / SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LEAD in Scottsdale, AZ
$146,694 to $172,105
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