Senior Principal Field Engineer

Job ID: 2618076 Location: San Diego, CA, US Date Posted: 2026-10-16 Category: Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Field Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 25% of the time Minimum Clearance Required: Secret Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Top Secret Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Senior Field Engineer / Site Lead in San Diego, CA to support a critical Department of Defense communications systems program providing ongoing sustainment and depot-level maintenance for strategic systems. This individual will serve as the primary on-site representative for the Program Manager and the face of the program to government customers, while also leading, mentoring, and supervising on-site staff. MUST BE LOCAL TO SAN DIEGO, CA. Up to 25% CONUS travel required JOB DUTIES: Site Leadership & Customer Interface Serve as the on-site lead and primary representative to the government customer organization on behalf of the Program ManagerBuild and maintain strong working relationships with DOD customer stakeholdersCommunicate program status, issues, and resolutions to the Program Manager and customer leadershipMentor, supervise, and provide technical guidance to on-site engineering and logistics staff Systems Sustainment & Depot Maintenance Provide depot-level maintenance and sustainment support for DOD strategic communications system.Troubleshoot and resolve technical problems with hardware and software in accordance with product and customer specificationsTroubleshoot legacy hardware and repair/refurbish units for system sustainmentBuild, test, and configure hardware and software for Windows and Nutanix-based systemsTroubleshoot serial connections, network connectivity, RF systems, and time systemsPerform patching for computer and network devicesConduct PITCO testing and hardware setup Integration & Documentation Participate in and lead on-site system integrationsDevelop, maintain, and update system and process documentationLog and respond to site tickets in a timely manner Logistics Oversight Provide oversight for the Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) team to ensure shipping, procurement, and inventory requirements are metCoordinate with supply chain and logistics personnel to support program sustainment needs Qualifications REQUIREMENTS: Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience; PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more experience.Demonstrated experience in C4I systems environments, including systems requirements, operational requirements, and test and evaluationProven experience supporting DOD communications systems sustainment and/or depot-level maintenanceExperience leading, supervising, and mentoring technical teams in a field environmentExperience building and installing infrastructureActive Secret security clearance required to start; Must be able to obtain Top Secret clearance after startMust obtain CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CASP certification within 6 months of hireUp to 25% CONUS travel required DESIRED SKILLS: Logistics experience within the Navy or Air Force strongly preferredFamiliarity with ILS processes including procurement, inventory management, and shipping coordinationPrior experience as an on-site lead or program representative interfacing directly with government customers Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.