Lead Systems Development Engineer

Greywright is hiring a Lead Systems Development Engineer to own the path from idea to deployed capability. You will build and lead high-performance teams that mature advanced systems and subsystems, whether upgrading a proven baseline or developing a new concept, and get them into customers' hands fast. You will also serve as the systems architect, fusing the work of our GNC, naval architecture, mechanical, electrical, networks, software, and test teams into a single system that meets customer needs.

This role is for a builder with proven real-world experience fielding hardware, who can set a clear technical end state, keep teams moving toward it, and make the trade-offs needed to deliver.

What you'll do

• Lead cross-functional development teams maturing advanced systems and subsystems, from proven baselines or new concepts, through prototype, test, and deployment on aggressive timelines.
• Serve as systems architect: own the integrated vehicle design, including layout, physical interfaces, weight, power, and thermal budgets.
• Translate mission requirements into a clear technical end state and development plan.
• Fuse the work of every engineering team so subsystems come together as one system, resolving conflicts and making system-level trade-offs.
• Work with the software team so physical and software architectures stay aligned.
• Drive rapid build-test-learn cycles, using prototypes, field tests, and data to reduce risk early.
• Own the technical schedule, risks, and integration plan, and keep leadership and customers informed.
• Represent Greywright's technical approach to customers, partners, and OEMs, including in design reviews and demonstrations.
• Build team culture, hire strong engineers, and mentor technical leads.

What you bring

• M.S. or higher in Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Aerospace, or Ocean Engineering, or a related field, with 8+ years of engineering experience; or a B.S. or higher in one of these fields with 10+ years of engineering experience.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams that delivered fielded hardware systems.
• Experience building and scaling engineering teams at a startup or fast-growing company.
• Proven record of taking advanced systems from concept to deployment on fast timelines, with real-world operational use.
• Broad technical depth across mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineering, and the judgment to make system-level trade-offs.
• Experience owning physical system architecture: packaging, interfaces, and weight, power, and thermal budgets.
• Proven experience fusing digital and physical systems, integrating software, autonomy, and networks with vehicle hardware into a single working system.
• Experience with uncrewed or autonomous maritime, air, or ground vehicles.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to align teams and drive decisions under pressure.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time when needed.
• This role requires access to ITAR/EAR-controlled data; U.S. person status is required as defined by 22 CFR 120.62.

Nice to have

• Experience working directly with customers to define needs and deliver against them.
• Experience on defense programs and with DoD customers, including rapid prototyping or other transaction (OTA) efforts.
• Eligibility to obtain a U.S. Secret or higher security clearance; an active clearance is not required.
• Military or operational experience using systems in the field.
• Familiarity with MBSE and requirements management tools.

• Meaningful early-stage equity.
• Great health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Unlimited vacation.