Lead Systems Engineer

Due to the classified nature of our work, U.S. citizenship is required. Candidate must meet the eligibility to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret / SCI Security Clearance.

Location : Sunnyvale, CA

About Us

Pacific Defense is a leading developer of advanced electronics systems for the U.S. Department of Defense and commercial customers. Our team specializes in Open Systems Architecture solutions for the non-kinetic fight, providing customers with cost-effective, modular, and rapidly reconfigurable systems in record time. We deliver sensing and effects solutions for land, air, sea, and space domains, leveraging open standards and rapid prototyping methodologies to bring innovative capabilities to the market. Pacific Defense has built an excellent reputation in the defense industry and is expanding our team to tackle new challenges and opportunities. Join us and accelerate your career!

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Engineering Lead to oversee and develop a talented team of Integration and Test (I&T) engineers to support the integration, verification, and delivery of advanced defense systems. This role combines technical expertise with leadership skills to drive the transition from prototype to production, integration and test planning, and execution of verification and validation (V&V). Ideally the candidate will have a strong background in system-of-systems integration, test planning, and execution in accordance with DoD and program-specific requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Demonstrated success in developing and optimizing processes that improve execution efficiency and ensure consistent on-time delivery of complex technical projects.
• Proven ability to lead the transition of systems from proof of concept to full-scale production deployment, aligning technical execution with strategic objectives.
• Track record of partnering closely with manufacturing teams to ensure seamless handoff of systems, clear documentation, and production readiness.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Experience with DoD acquisition lifecycle, system requirements verification, and test program execution.

Preferred Qualifications

Responsibilities

Team Leadership :

Technical Management :

Project Execution :

Stakeholder Communication :

Benefits

Pacific Defense provides competitive salaries and immediately vested 401K match. We provide 100% coverage options for the employee, and 75% coverage for dependents’ medical, dental, vision, and life insurance premiums, as well as a flexible spending account for incidental health care expenses. We offer paid time off and federal holidays to spend time with family, pursue outside interests, or just get some extra rest.

Pacific Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor.