Systems Engineer Principal

We are seeking multiple talented and dedicated Senior Systems Engineers to join our high-impact team within the AAG/EMALS Systems Engineering (SE) Branch. In this role, you will play a critical part in the design, development, integration, and fielding of advanced systems supporting complex naval aviation platforms and technologies. Our division is responsible for systems engineering management, planning, analysis, and requirements analysis.

You will contribute to the development of aircraft systems, ship integration efforts, and cutting-edge enabling technologies. Your efforts will directly support the execution of the Department of Defense (DoD) 5000 Acquisition Framework for major weapons systems. The role focuses on ensuring the system meets all requirements, including performance, safety, and compatibility, throughout their entire lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

Systems Engineering & Integration:

• Lead and coordinate technical activities to ensure stakeholder needs are translated into effective, lifecycle-optimized systems
• Manage internal and external system interfaces for compatibility and performance
• Conduct system architecture design, component selection, and integration planning to meet all requirements
• Ensure alignment of system design with functional and physical requirements across hardware, software, data, and infrastructure
• Provide expert technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams, including systems, hardware, software, test, cybersecurity, and safety

Program Execution & Acquisition Support:

• Apply extensive knowledge of Systems Engineering for major weapon systems in alignment with the DoD 5000 Acquisition framework
• Support and execute technical reviews and major milestones (SRRs, PDRs, Milestone A, etc.), ensuring technical rigor and compliance with all criteria
• Assist with the development of technical guidance, instructions, and program documentation (white papers, decision memos, technical assessments)
• Collaborate with a multifaceted team of stakeholders (engineering, logistics, manufacturing, program leadership) to solve complex problems with many competing objectives
• Participate in key program activities, including Risk Management, Configuration Management, Trade-off Analysis, Technical Reviews, and Modeling & Simulation
• Experience supporting ACAT I program through all phases of the acquisition lifecycle

Technical Leadership & Risk Management:

• Provide technical oversight and integration guidance to multidisciplinary teams (systems, test, cyber, safety, hardware, software)
• Conduct system architecture design, component selection, integration planning, and technical risk assessments
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure program stability
• Prepare and review required documentation, including technical proposals, engineering reports, drawings, white papers, and status briefings
• Document solutions in relation to technical, cost, and schedule constraints

Engineering Analysis & Testing:

• Oversee integration, testing, and evaluation of systems and subsystems
• Conduct performance testing and validation analysis to ensure systems meet operational requirements
• Prepare detailed technical documents such as specifications, test plans, and engineering reports
• Communication & Collaboration:
• Interface with stakeholders across program offices, fleet users, contractors, and industry
• Translate complex technical information for senior leadership, including non-technical decision-makers
• Support collaboration between engineering, logistics, test, and acquisition teams
• Provide regular progress reports and presentations to program management and stakeholders

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical/Computer, Systems, or Industrial Engineering preferred)
• Minimum 9 years of experience in Systems Engineering, preferably within DoD or NAVAIR environments
• Experience with Systems Engineering processes, especially within the DoD 5000 Acquisition Lifecycle
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams
• Clearance Requirement: Interim Clearance required to Start
• Proficiency in Microsoft Products (Word, Excel, PowerBi)
• Experience with one of the following fields:
  • Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Experience
  • Engineering Change Proposals
  • Ship Integration

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in JIRA application
• Experience in process and review Requests for Engineering Investigation (REIs)