Scientist, Chief Systems Engineer

Position Summary

Acron Aviation is seeking an experienced Chief Systems Engineer to lead product and technology initiatives within the Surveillance product line. In this role, you will shape and drive the technology strategy, guide system architecture development, and support long-term product innovation. You will lead the development of technology roadmaps, coordinate engineering pursuits, and help define R&D direction aligned to business objectives. This role also serves as the technical authority for product development, including design review approvals and leadership of root cause investigations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of technology roadmaps and innovation strategies
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, competitive landscape, and industry trends
• Coordinate engineering pursuits, including solution architecture, risk mitigation, and cost/schedule estimation
• Support the development of top-level requirements and manage the requirement decomposition
• Develop CONOPS and use cases for new and evolving systems
• Engage with leadership to align technology initiatives with business strategy
• Establish design requirements, guide risk reduction, and ensure compliant, high-quality product designs
• Interface with customers and stakeholders to define requirements and develop solutions
• Serve as technical approver for product development design reviews
• Lead root cause investigations for complex technical issues

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in a STEM-related field is required, along with at least 12 years of relevant experience in aviation product development. Alternatively, a Graduate Degree with a minimum of 10 years of related experience in the same field is acceptable. If you do not have a degree, you must have at least 16 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in aviation product development environments
• Experience in technology strategy development and execution
• Experience leading technical reviews and engineering assessments
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams
• Experience with R&D portfolio management and technology road-mapping

Preferred Additional Skills

• Strong project management capability
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously
• Experience with intellectual property strategy and management
• Experience operating within the National Airspace System (pilot, ATC, etc.)
• Knowledge of aerospace standards such as ARP4754A/B, DO-178, DO-160, and DO-254