Principal Systems Engineer, Product Architecture

What You'll Do

• Own the technical architecture, system requirements, and engineering baseline for PDW's portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems, payloads, mission systems, and supporting infrastructure.
• Partner with Product Management, customers, and operational stakeholders to translate mission needs and product strategy into complete, verifiable, and traceable system requirements.
• Lead Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) activities by developing and maintaining digital system models, architecture products, and engineering artifacts using SysML.
• Develop and manage system, subsystem, and interface requirements spanning aircraft, payloads, tactical radios, networking, autonomy, embedded software, and ground control systems.
• Carry out architecture trade studies that balance mission effectiveness, technical risk, manufacturability, scalability, cost, schedule, and long-term product evolution.
• Own the product digital thread by maintaining end-to-end traceability from customer need through product requirements, system architecture, design, verification, flight test, and production configuration.
• Author and maintain system specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), requirements traceability matrices, verification plans, and technical review packages.
• Lead technical planning and support system integration, laboratory testing, flight testing, verification, validation, and customer demonstrations.

  Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Master's degree preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience developing complex aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, or unmanned aircraft platforms from concept through production.
  • Demonstrated expertise applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies using SysML and industry-standard digital engineering tools.
  • Proven experience developing product architectures, system requirements, interface definitions, verification strategies, and technical baselines for multidisciplinary systems.
  • Experience developing or integrating small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), mission payloads, tactical communications, RF systems, networking, autonomy, or embedded systems.
  • Proficiency with systems engineering tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler, or equivalent platforms.
  • Strong understanding of systems integration, networking architectures, payload integration, verification and validation, configuration management, and the engineering product lifecycle.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical decisions while influencing engineering direction without direct organizational authority.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with engineering teams, executive leadership, customers, and government stakeholders.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

  Preferred Experience

  • Experience with DoD Digital Engineering initiatives, Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), Open Mission Systems (OMS), FACE, or other open architecture standards.
  • Experience developing, fielding, or sustaining military unmanned systems or autonomous products for U.S. Government customers.

  Physical Requirements

  • Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift/carry up to 35 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment, engineering laboratory equipment, prototype hardware, flight test equipment, and diagnostic tools.
  • Physically capable of supporting laboratory integration, manufacturing activities, customer demonstrations, and outdoor flight testing.

  Work Environment

  • Collaborative office, engineering laboratory, manufacturing, and flight test environment.
  • Use of standard office equipment as well as engineering development hardware, prototype aircraft, RF test equipment, networking equipment, and integration tools.
  • Occasional travel (approximately 15–20%) to customer locations, supplier facilities, and flight test sites.
  • Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, manufacturing equipment, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required during manufacturing and flight operations.

  Benefits

  • Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
  • Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
  • Paid Parental Leave.
  • A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
  • On-site gym.
  • Employer provided life insurance.
  • Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
  • Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

  EEO Statement

  • PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws.
  • We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.