Systems Engineer Principal

Systems Engineer Principal

Job ID: 2618104

Location: California, MD, United States

Date Posted: Oct 20, 2026

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: Interim Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Secret

Potential for Remote Work: Hybrid

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Job Description

Description

JSAIC is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer Principal to support PMA251 Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) Systems Program Office, to lead the technical direction for high‑visibility Naval aviation and shipboard systems that directly impact Fleet readiness and safety. As the Senior Principal Lead Systems Engineer for Foreign Miliary Sales (FMS), you will set architecture, drive requirements and integration, mentor engineers, and represent the program at senior reviews-partnering with NAVAIR/NAVSEA and International stakeholders across complex systems such as AAG, EMALS, ALRE, shipboard power/motion control, and related electromechanical/control domains.

What You'll Lead & Deliver

• Own the system architecture & technical baseline for multi‑disciplinary hardware/software systems; guide decisions on interfaces, behaviors, allocations, performance, safety, and sustainment across the lifecycle.
• Drive requirements management & traceability: lead decomposition, allocation, and verification planning; maintain DOORS/DOORS NG baselines and ensure full traceability to test/certification.
• Apply MBSE & Digital Engineering at scale: build and govern SysML models (Cameo/MagicDraw), advance digital thread/twin practices, and align models with program artifacts (CONOPS, ICDs, SOWs, specs).
• Lead verification & validation (V&V): define strategies, acceptance criteria, MOEs/MOPs; coordinate DT&E/OT&E, test readiness (OTR/OTD), and data‑driven performance analysis for decision reviews.
• Chair/represent engineering at SETR & acquisition milestones: prepare and lead SRR/SFR/PDR/CDR and milestone gates aligned to AAF/DoD 5000; author technical assessments, trade studies, and risk mitigations.
• Integrate across stakeholders and IPTs: collaborate with program offices, Fleet users, industry partners, and cross‑functional teams (systems, electrical, mechanical, software, test, cyber, safety).
• Institutionalize rigor: enforce configuration management (CM), change control (ECPs), R&M planning, FMEAs, and disciplined documentation quality.
• Mentor & elevate the team: coach junior/mid‑level engineers; establish best practices for requirements, modeling, integration, test, and technical writing.

Why Join?

• Mission impact: Influence systems that Sailors rely on every day; measurably improve Fleet safety and readiness.
• Technical leadership: Set architecture, lead integration/V&V, and shape milestone decisions on major Navy programs.
• Growth & collaboration: Work with seasoned engineers and prior‑service teammates; mentor others while advancing MBSE and Digital Engineering practices.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer, or related).
• 9+ years of systems engineering experience delivering complex hardware/software systems in DoD/Navy environments, including leadership of multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Experience supporting Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs is required.
• Advanced proficiency in MBSE and SysML (e.g., Cameo/MagicDraw), DOORS/DOORS NG, and Digital Engineering methods (digital thread/twin).
• Demonstrated success owning architecture, requirements, integration, and V&V for large programs (preferably ACAT I/MDAP scale).
• Hands‑on familiarity with SETR (SRR/SFR/PDR/CDR) and lifecycle processes aligned to AAF/DoD 5000.
• Experience with modeling & simulation to support performance analysis (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Python) and test planning.
• Exceptional communication skills for technical briefs, stakeholder engagement, and decision support.
• Clearance: Interim Secret required to start; ability to obtain/maintain Secret
• Travel: 10% (including OCONUS).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior‑service U.S. Navy experience or direct NAVAIR/NAVSEA systems/test engineering background.
• Domain exposure to AAG, EMALS, ALRE, shipboard control systems, high‑energy/linear motor drives, power conversion/distribution, and motion control.
• Experience with Operational Test & Evaluation (OTF), interoperability testing, and Fleet exercises; familiarity with OTR/OTD.
• Tool familiarity: Cameo/MagicDraw, Jira/Confluence, MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW, data analytics/statistical tools.
• Certifications: INCOSE CSEP/ESEP, DAU (SE/TE), PMP (plus), or relevant Navy/DoD training.
• Track record serving as technical authority or IPT lead; interest in a Chief Engineer career path.

Why Join

Mission impact: Influence systems that Sailors rely on every day; measurably improve Fleet safety and readiness.

Technical leadership: Set architecture, lead integration/V&V, and shape milestone decisions on major Navy programs.

Growth & collaboration: Work with seasoned engineers and prior‑service teammates; mentor others while advancing MBSE and Digital Engineering practices.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

Overview

SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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