Principal Systems Engineer

About the role

This Principal Systems Engineer role provides technical leadership for the design, development, integration, test, verification, and sustainment of advanced space systems and satellite technologies. The position plays a critical role in shaping system architecture, driving cross-functional engineering efforts, and leading the successful execution of complex aerospace and defense programs from concept development through mission deployment and operations. The ideal candidate combines deep systems engineering expertise with hands-on experience across electrical, mechanical, software, and spacecraft subsystems, and acts as a strategic thinker who leads multidisciplinary teams while staying closely engaged with technical details that drive mission success.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements development, architecture definition, interface management, integration, verification, validation, and mission readiness activities.
• Develop and maintain system requirements, specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), verification matrices, and technical data packages.
• Establish system architectures and technical solutions for spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, and mission operations.
• Support the design, development, assembly, integration, testing, and deployment of satellite systems and related technologies.
• Lead system-level trade studies and technical assessments to optimize performance, reliability, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Oversee subsystem integration efforts across electrical power systems, communications, avionics, structures, propulsion, software, and payload technologies.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineers across multiple disciplines.
• Serve as the primary technical authority for system-level decisions, risk management, and engineering problem resolution.
• Drive and lead engineering reviews, including System Requirements Reviews (SRR), Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), Flight Readiness Reviews (FRR), and mission readiness assessments.
• Develop and execute integration, qualification, acceptance, and environmental test strategies for flight and ground hardware.
• Lead anomaly investigations, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to ensure mission reliability.
• Ensure traceability between requirements, verification activities, and mission performance objectives throughout the program lifecycle.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and lead research initiatives focused on next-generation spacecraft and mission capabilities.
• Support rapid prototyping, technology maturation, and the transition of innovative concepts into operational systems.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, customers, and mission partners to advance program objectives and resolve technical issues.
• Maintain accurate and complete engineering documentation throughout all phases of the program.
• Present technical information and program status to executive leadership, customers, partners, and technical review boards.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced development environment.

Essential Skills

• At least 10 years of systems engineering experience supporting complex aerospace, defense, satellite, or spacecraft programs.
• A minimum of 3 years of technical leadership, team leadership, or supervisory experience.
• Proven experience managing complete product lifecycles from concept development through deployment and sustainment.
• Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining system requirements, architecture products, verification plans, and technical baselines.
• Hands-on experience with systems engineering and requirements management tools such as DOORS, Cradle, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience authoring and managing Interface Control Documents (ICDs), requirements specifications, and verification documentation.
• Experience planning and executing qualification, acceptance, and environmental testing for aerospace or space hardware.
• Understanding of electrical engineering principles, including power electronics, digital systems, RF communications, and PCB-based hardware development.
• Familiarity with configuration management, technical risk management, and engineering change processes.
• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong background in spacecraft systems engineering and satellite architecture.
• Knowledge of spacecraft electrical power systems, avionics, communications systems, and environmental considerations associated with spaceflight.
• Previous experience supporting small satellite, CubeSat, or constellation programs.
• Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies.
• Familiarity with mission operations, satellite communications, and ground segment architectures.
• Experience supporting government, defense, intelligence, or commercial space customers.
• An active or previously held U.S. security clearance.
• An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related STEM field is preferred.
• Deep, hands-on experience with electronics systems and spaceflight hardware is highly desirable.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $79.00 – $93.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)