Senior Principal Technical Engineer

Location: Pearl Harbor, HI, US | Full‑Time, Day shift | Travel: Up to 25% (including up to 15% to CONUS/OCONUS) | Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain TS/SCI with polygraph.

About the role

SAIC is seeking a former military aviator to serve as a Senior Principal Technical Advisor embedded within HQ Pacific Air Forces (HQ/PACAF) on Oahu, Hawaii. In this highly influential position you will act as a trusted advisor to the Commander, PACAF, guiding the transition of cutting‑edge science and technology programs into the Combat Air Force (CAF) and shaping the future of air dominance in the Pacific.

Responsibilities

• Directly advise PACAF leadership on advanced technologies, long‑term continuity, and future warfighter requirements.
• Drive integration of advanced technology programs into operational CAF and Department of the Air Force (DAF) portfolios.
• Bridge gaps between MAJCOMs, the Air Staff, AF TENCAP, FFRDCs, and Joint organizations to accelerate capability delivery.
• Provide critical technical, analytical, and operational oversight to the USAF Requirements Process, focusing on Special Access Program (SAP) portfolios.
• Assist with concept of operations (CONOPS) development, platform integration, and program trade‑off analysis.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance required at start (must be maintainable with polygraph).
• U.S. citizenship.
• Previously rated military Pilot or Weapons System Officer (WSO), or 10+ years of dedicated CAF operational requirements experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with 14+ years of military aerospace technology experience; or Master’s degree with 12+ years of experience; or PhD with 9+ years of experience.
• At least 3 years of MAJCOM‑level staff experience (or sister‑service equivalent above wing level).
• Minimum of 5 years of Special Access Program (SAP) experience.
• Domain mastery: 10+ years of experience in air‑to‑air weapons, air‑to‑ground weapons, electronic warfare, or electronic countermeasure systems.

Pay

Target salary range: $160,001 – $200,000 (typical range based on experience and other factors).