Systems Engineer IV

IRIS TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

Title: Systems Engineer IV

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

POSITION SUMMARY

The Principal Systems Engineer IV provides senior-level technical leadership for complex aerospace and defense programs, with responsibility for system requirements, architecture, integration, testing, technical performance, and program execution. This position serves as a principal technical resource for customers, Program Management, Engineering, and cross-functional development teams and provides technical guidance on complex engineering challenges. The Principal Systems Engineer IV also supports proposal efforts, mentors engineering team members, drives innovative solutions, and serves as a principal liaison for engineering quality and process 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.
•  Lead system architecture and 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 high-level view of system objectives and ensure system elements integrate successfully to satisfy customer requirements.
• Ensure effective integration of internal subsystems and customer system interfaces.
• Orchestrate system designs, prototype builds, system integration and testing, third-party environmental testing, final acceptance validation, and project documentation.
• Demonstrate 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, system specifications, and established quality standards.
• Identify technical program problems and lead Development Teams in developing and implementing effective solutions.
• Work closely with the Systems Engineering Manager and/or Director of Engineering to ensure program system designs meet established requirements and 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.
• Provide technical mentorship, guidance, and expertise to systems engineers and other engineering team members.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative solutions to complex technical problems in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Support proposal development by providing technical details, execution approaches, schedules, and cost estimates based on prior program experience.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of relevant systems engineering tools, technologies, and industry practices.
• Support technical and business objectives by identifying opportunities for process, product, and program improvements.
• 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 15 years of experience, with 20+ years preferred, in highly technical research and development, engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or related environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in 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.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement solutions to complex technical problems.
• Experience supporting technical proposals, including development of technical approaches, estimates, or other proposal content.

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.
• Experience supporting proposal development and technical estimating.
• Experience developing innovative technical solutions for complex systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Advanced knowledge of systems engineering principles, system architecture, requirements development, integration, verification, and validation.
• Ability to maintain a system-level perspective while coordinating complex technical activities across multiple disciplines.
• Strong technical project management skills, including the ability to manage schedules, budgets, resources, risks, and deliverables.
• Advanced technical problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to identify, evaluate, and lead resolution of complex technical issues.
• Strong understanding of system integration, interface management, and technical requirements.
• Ability to translate customer requirements into clear technical specifications and actionable engineering objectives.
• Strong customer-facing communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to engineering team members.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams toward common technical and program objectives.
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail while maintaining awareness of overall program objectives.
• Ability to develop practical, innovative solutions to complex engineering problems.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong professional judgment, accountability, and commitment to technical quality and integrity.

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: $145,000 – $190,000 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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Iris Technology Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees and do not discriminate on the basis of legally protected characteristics.