What are the responsibilities and job description for the System Engineer position at LIFT Airborne Technologies?
Position Summary
Lift Airborne Technologies, LLC is looking for a highly experienced and hands-on System Engineer to lead the architecture, integration, and delivery of complex products in a fast-paced startup environment. This role requires a strategic thinker who can operate at both the system level and in the details—driving clarity from ambiguity and turning concepts into scalable, production-ready solutions.
You will play a critical role in shaping our product, processes, and engineering culture while working cross-functionally to bring innovative systems to market.
Key Responsibilities
- Own system architecture from concept through production and deployment
- Define, decompose, and manage system requirements in a rapidly evolving environment
- Lead cross-functional integration across mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams
- Drive system-level trade studies and make high-impact technical decisions with incomplete data
- Establish and implement systems engineering processes appropriate for a startup (lightweight, scalable)
- Lead system verification & validation strategy, including test planning and execution
- Identify technical risks early and drive mitigation strategies
- Support rapid prototyping, iteration, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) efforts
- Support Drawing Release, Configuration Management, and Revision Control through QMS & Solidworks PDM
- Support Manufacturing Readiness and Production Readiness Reviews (MRR/PRR)
- Interface directly with leadership, customers, and external partners
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or related field)
- 8 years of experience in systems engineering or complex product development
- Proven experience leading system architecture and integration efforts
- Strong background in requirements development, system decomposition, and interface management
- Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
- Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
- Startup or early-stage company experience
- Experience taking a product from concept to production
- Experience with Defense Contracts
- Familiarity with Solidworks and PDM
- Experience working with ISO9001:2015 and AS6500
- Experience in hardware-centric systems (e.g., defense, aerospace, robotics, wearable tech)
- Knowledge of design for manufacturability (DFM) and production or capacity scaling
- Experience implementing or improving engineering processes (not just following them)
Key Traits for Success
- Ownership mentality—you take responsibility and drive outcomes
- Comfortable with ambiguity and rapid change
- Bias toward action and iteration over perfection
- Strong systems thinker with attention to detail
- Collaborative leader who can influence without authority
Work Environment
- Fast-paced, high-growth startup environment
- High visibility and direct impact on product and company success
- Close collaboration with founders and leadership team
- Hands-on involvement in prototyping, testing, and early production
Why Join Us
- Opportunity to shape a product from the ground up
- Work on cutting-edge technology with real-world impact
- Be a key contributor in building engineering culture and processes
- High growth potential as the company scales