Principal Systems Engineer (Defense)

Location: Ashburn, Virginia, United States

Salary: $144,100–$190,000 per year plus bonus.

Company

Defense Solutions delivers products and services for demanding air, ground, and naval defense applications, including modular open systems and communication systems.

What you will do

• Lead large technical teams in meeting complex customer requirements.
• Represent the company as a technical expert to customers, suppliers, and management.
• Synthesize requirements into the lowest-risk technical solution and produce clear solution documentation.
• Provide technical guidance to cross-functional teams and report technical status and recommended direction to varied audiences.
• Recommend training and evaluate the technical performance and potential of team members and applicants.
• Assume technical responsibility for the performance of assigned teams.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience at US Department of Defense prime contractors or companies that directly support them.
• Knowledge of hardware and software development, integration, and testing for deployed military vehicle applications.
• Expert knowledge of DOORS and Cameo, with working knowledge of ClearQuest, JIRA, and Rational development tools.
• Ability to operate and debug Linux- and VxWorks-based computing systems.
• Understanding of SOSA and VPX standards, processing and graphics solutions, rugged computing, and serial communication protocols including MIL-STD-1553, RS422, RS485, RS232, Ethernet, PCIe, and USB.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Electrical Engineering preferred; strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, leadership, and requirements-clarification skills required.

Nice to have

• Experience with system safety assessments, functional hazard assessments, and failure mode and effects analysis.
• Experience with RTCA/DO-254, DO-178, and FAA certification processes.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.

Culture & Benefits

• Paid time off.
• 401(k) with employer match and profit sharing.
• Health and wellness benefits.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Employee stock purchase plan, referral program, recognition, and an inclusive, supportive culture.
• The position may involve exposure to export-controlled information and additional security screening.