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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Systems Engineer, Principal - **Company:** AV, Inc. - **Location:** Huntsville, AL, United States - **Salary:** $154,500.0 - $247,250.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Systems Engineering, Cyber Security, Embedded Software, Network Interface Controllers, Radio-Frequency Identification, Reliability Engineering, Requirements Management, Verification and Validation (Software), Subsystems, Systems Modeling Language, Systems Architecture, Test Execution Engine, Jama (Software), Information Technology - **Published:** July 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9049144/systems-engineer-principal ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. * Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD Secret security clearance. * 15+ years of relevant experience architecting, modifying, and supporting complex systems, preferably defense and/or aerospace systems. * Demonstrated proficiency in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using SysML v1.x and Cameo Enterprise Architect / Cameo Systems Modeler. * Experience with requirements management tools (preferably Jama), including: + Authoring and managing system, subsystem, component specifications. + Establishing and maintaining end-to-end traceability to architecture, design, and verification artifacts. * Demonstrated experience developing systems engineering and architecture artifacts, such as: + Specifications, ICDs, architecture diagrams, CONOPS, trade studies, analyses. * Experience planning and executing verification and validation: + Verification & compliance assessments. + Test planning, procedure development, and participation in test execution. * Experience presenting systems engineering content and artifacts at technical reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR). * Experience working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment and effectively communicating progress, issues, and risks to systems engineering leadership and program stakeholders. * Ability to perform in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share broad responsibilities. * Strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives. * Excellent problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills. * Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related field from an ABET-accredited institution. * Current, active U.S. DoD Secret clearance or higher. * Experience with UAVs / UAS and/or weaponized unmanned systems. * Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and methods for developing system models aligned and traced to Government Reference Architectures. * Experience with SysML v2 and/or using AI-assisted tools for development of architecture models. * Experience with MBSE methodologies and frameworks such as UAF and OOSEM. * Experience with Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) implementation and compliance. * Experience developing CONOPS, mission threads, and detailed use cases. * Experience with program-level risk management, including identification, analysis, mitigation planning, and tracking of technical and programmatic risks. * Broad technical knowledge in several of the following areas: + Software / Embedded Software + RF Systems + Networking + Optics (EO/IR) + Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) + Natural and Induced Environments + Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) + Cybersecurity + Reliability Engineering + System Safety (e.g., MIL-STD-882) + Weapon System Safety and Ordnance Ability to work in an office and production environment (Constant) Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) ## Description We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Systems Engineer to lead systems engineering activities for a family of Unmanned Systems supporting defense and commercial applications. In this role, you will: * Lead mid-career and junior systems engineers across the full systems engineering V, including requirements decomposition, functional analysis (using MBSE), and verification and validation planning and execution. * Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and integration teams to develop, review, and implement system architectures and requirements. * Represent systems engineering in customer meetings and design reviews, presenting technical content and systems engineering artifacts. * Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), mentoring junior engineers and driving process and tool improvements across the organization. * Lead the development of requirements specifications, MBSE architecture models, and interface definitions. * Plan and manage requirements decomposition, derivation, allocation, and traceability across hardware, software, and integration. * Define and manage system interfaces, including creation and control of Interface Control Documents and related artifacts. * Own and/or support system trade studies and analyses (performance, cost, schedule, risk). * Lead verification and validation planning including strategy for establishing requirements compliance assessments; support the development of test plans and test procedures;; support test execution as needed. * Develop and maintain foundational systems engineering documentation (e.g., SEMP, OSMP, integration plans, interface control plans). * Serve as a primary systems engineering interface in customer discussions and internal/external design reviews. * Lead and mentor systems engineering teams, promoting best practices, MBSE adoption, and continuous process improvement. * Identify, analyze, and resolve system design weaknesses; influence future products and architectures spanning multiple products or systems. * Make complex design and architecture decisions to meet stated and derived requirements, leveraging appropriate analysis, modeling, and simulation tools. * Travel up to 15% to support customer meetings, design reviews, integration, and test events. ## Related Videos - [Valven Atlas: Engineering Intelligence That Delivers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1660-valven-atlas-engineering-intelligence-that-delivers) - [Times of (climate) crisis - How and why sustainable software is a must!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/988-times-of-climate-crisis-how-and-why-sustainable-software-is-a-must) - [10M Data Records Lost, Underwater Computing, and Psychedelic Fish - Matthias Geniar](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1908-10m-data-records-lost-underwater-computing-and-psychedelic-fish-matthias-geniar) - [Thinking Differently - How to Make Money from Cyber Attacks & Cheats](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/745-thinking-differently-how-to-make-money-from-cyber-attacks-cheats) - [Reporting Active Exploits in 24 Hours: Are You Ready for the CRA?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100248-reporting-active-exploits-in-24-hours-are-you-ready-for-the-cra) - [Kettle and Pot or Peas in a Pod? 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