Principal Systems Engineer

As a Principal Mission Engineer, you will leverage and grow your systems engineering expertise to support the design, implementation, and integration of enterprise systems and systems-of-systems and analysis of missions for federal agencies. Specific responsibilities may include:

• Using your understanding of systems and mission engineering and an awareness of sponsor needs to determine areas where MITRE can have an impact

• Applying modern methods and tools such as Model-Based Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, Mission Engineering, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics to assess capability needs, requirements, architectures, designs, performance constraints and gaps, proposed changes, and verification and test approaches

• Evaluating and comparing alternative architectures using qualitative and quantitative techniques and exploring large tradespaces

• Articulating major uncertainties associated with systems architectures and defining risks and opportunities associated with those uncertainties

• Identifying or developing metrics to measure and analyze relevant system properties, such as robustness, resiliency, interoperability, quality, and maintainability

• Leading requirements management and analysis, interface management, architecture development, architecture change management, and test and evaluation processes

• Owning technical approach to system design and development, systems modernization, and architecture activities using MBSE and digital engineering approaches

• Translating analysis results into actionable recommendations for U.S. Government agencies

• Leading medium-to-large teams of systems engineers and analysts to develop data-driven products to support government decision-making

• Pursuing internal and external research opportunities in cutting-edge engineering fields

• Minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 8 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with relevant experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of related education and work experience

• Proficiency in one or more of the programming languages for quantitative analyses (ex. MATLAB, Mathematica, Python, R)

• Must be a U.S. citizen with ability to possess and maintain a DoD clearance

• This position requires a minimum of 4 days a week on-site

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance

• Advanced degree in a relevant field

• Deep expertise in systems and enterprise architecture, with broad systems engineering experience across concept development, requirements, design, test, evaluation, and risk assessment

• Strong proficiency with modern systems engineering and digital engineering methods and tools (e.g., MBSE, SysML/UML, Cameo/MagicDraw, DOORS, Rhapsody), including developing plugins and integrating models across applications

• Experience in quantitative analysis and multi-disciplinary modeling and simulation using tools and languages such as MATLAB, Mathematica, Python/R, AFSIM, STK, Command PE, and data analytics environments

• Proven leadership in complex, multi-disciplinary environments, including leading teams and analyses, mentoring staff, developing new work, and objectively evaluating vendor solutions

• Demonstrated track record of innovation or research (e.g., publications) in systems, mission, or digital engineering, with strong interpersonal skills to build trusted advisor relationships and communicate across technical disciplines

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusted advisor relationships and clearly convey complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us., Copyright © 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.