> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1309677-principal-systems-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1309677-principal-systems-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Systems Engineer - **Company:** Thales Defense & Security, Inc. - **Location:** Aurora, IL, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $133,410.0 - $170,469.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Verification and Validation (Software), MIL-STD-810 Environmental Testing - **Published:** July 17, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/a82a89af-c6e4-4a99-aedf-c88f99efd7ee ## About the Role The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. * U.S. Citizenship required. - Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. * Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering or related discipline. * 8+ years as a Systems Engineer in Aerospace (Military or Commercial) or related industry. * Strong knowledge of Avionics products and related technology is required, Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) technology a large plus. * Must have working knowledge of relevant industry standards (DO-254, DO-160, DO-178, MIL-STD-461 and MIL-STD-810). * Experience integrating subsystems onto aircraft or helicopters. * Experience working within AS9100D or similar process environments. * Ability to take ownership of assigned work. * Must have experience in troubleshooting and resolution of technical problems. * Experience in requirements definition, bidding and execution. * Must be capable of working independently or as part of a team on assigned tasks. * Excellent written and oral communication skills. - Fluent in English * Ability to comply with all Company guidelines, policies, procedures and embrace Company Core Values. The annualized pay range for this role is $133,410- 170,469 USD along with a target incentive compensation plan (ICP) of 5% The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience level for the role described above. TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. ## Description * Support Business Development with customer meetings, requirements elicitation, architecture development, and systems implementation. * Provide subject matter expertise as a project design authority of Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) systems. * Support product development teams with use case analysis, requirements capture and allocation, architectural analysis and design, unit level testing, integration, verification and validation efforts, and transition to manufacturing. * Collaborate with our European divisions in the development of new products and product roadmaps capturing unique requirements for the U.S. market. * Develop technical proposals and support cost estimations. * Evaluate competing product and solution offerings. * Represent Thales at relevant industry forums. * Serve as a customer liaison, supporting design reviews and other technical interchanges. * Support field installation, testing, evaluation, and troubleshooting of equipment. * Provide technical consultation for solving design issues in HMD, Crash and Ejection safety analysis and tests. * Provide technical consultation on emerging and adjacent markets. * Provide technical counsel to engineering management. * Travel up to 25% of the time. ## Related Videos - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Model Based Systems Engineering in an Agile Product Development Process](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/68-model-based-systems-engineering-in-an-agile-product-development-process) - [From Vibe Coding to Viable Code with Spec-Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100216-from-vibe-coding-to-viable-code-with-spec-driven-development) - [Valven Atlas: Engineering Intelligence That Delivers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1660-valven-atlas-engineering-intelligence-that-delivers) - [Automated Driving - Why is it so hard to introduce](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/628-automated-driving-why-is-it-so-hard-to-introduce) - [Hack-Proof The Node.js runtime: The Mechanics and Defense of Path Traversal Attacks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/716-hack-proof-the-node-js-runtime-the-mechanics-and-defense-of-path-traversal-attacks) ## Related Articles - [Top-Paying Tech Jobs (with Salaries)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/372-top-paying-tech-jobs-with-salaries) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? 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