Senior Principal Engineer, Systems Engineering (Onsite)

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Principal Systems Engineer to support the design, development, integration, and sustainment of advanced training systems for a military platform. This role focuses on delivering high-fidelity training capabilities that accurately replicate mission systems, enabling aircrew and operators to train effectively in simulated environments.

This position requires: US Government Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Security Clearance Day 1 Onsite: This is an onsite role supporting our Sterling, VA location.

Role Description: The ideal candidate brings expert level systems engineering experience, strong knowledge of avionics or mission systems, and the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams in a defense or aerospace environment.

What you will do

• Lead systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle of training systems, including requirements development, design, integration, test, and sustainment
• Develop and manage system requirements, interface control documents, and verification plans
• Ensure training systems accurately represent aircraft mission systems, including radar, communications, and command & control functions
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and simulation engineers to integrate subsystems into cohesive training solutions
• Support model-based systems engineering (MBSE) activities and maintain system architecture artifacts
• Conduct system-level testing, validation, and verification to ensure performance meets operational needs
• Interface with customers, program managers, and external stakeholders to align technical solutions with mission requirements
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies related to system performance, integration, and delivery
• Support upgrades, modifications, and obsolescence management for existing training systems
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes

Qualifications you must have

• Typically requires a degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience
• Active and transferable U.S. Government DoD Top Secret Security Clearance is required prior to start date
• U.S. Citizen - U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract
• Experience with avionics, radar systems, or airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platforms
• Strong understanding of systems engineering lifecycle processes (e.g., requirements, design, integration, V&V)

Qualifications we prefer

• 15+ years of experience in systems engineering, preferably in aerospace, defense, or simulation/training systems
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Experience with naval aviation platforms
• Background in simulation and training system development
• Familiarity with real-time systems, distributed simulation or virtual training environments
• Experience with hardware/software integration and lab environments
• Experience with systems modeling tools (e.g., Cameo, DOORS, or similar)
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and standards

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• Eligible for relocation assistance

Pay

The salary range for this role is 145,600 USD - 276,800 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Schedule

This is an onsite role supporting our Sterling, VA location. Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.