> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1460361-principal-systems-engineer-d](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1460361-principal-systems-engineer-d). 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 {D} - **Company:** ARKA Group - **Location:** Danbury, CT, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Business Analytics Applications, Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Ethernet, Network Interface Controllers, Firmware, Formal Verification, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), IBM Rational Software, Imaging Technology, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Systems Development Life Cycle, Requirements Management, Requirements Traceability, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL), Visual Systems, Software Verification - **Published:** July 27, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/8715079/principal-systems-engineer-d ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, physics, or related field. Advanced degree preferred * 10+ years of relevant work experience such as systems engineering of complex systems throughout the product lifecycle * Familiarity with electro-optical (EO) space, airborne, and terrestrial systems * Experience developing, integrating, and verifying digital control systems employing FPGAs and/or embedded processors * Familiarity with analog electrical designs including power supplies, board layout and artwork, EMI/EMC management, and cable harnesses * Familiarity with electrical considerations for thermal vacuum space environments * Familiarity with precision feedback systems such as LVDT, RVDTs, and strain gauges * Familiarity with aerospace protocols such as MIL-STD-1553, RS-422, Ethernet, and SpaceWire * Creating and maintaining electrical interface control documentation * Creating and maintaining FPGA and software interface control documentation * Troubleshooting and root cause analysis * Writing requirements specifications, verification matrices, verification plans, and verification reports * Decomposition of complex systems into logical building blocks and the ability to develop the requisite error budgets and requirements traceability * Requirements management using IBM Rational DOORS or other requirements management systems * Familiarity with Model Base Systems Engineering (MBSE) * Evaluation and definition of the optical, mechanical, electrical, and environmental inputs into a system and their influence on overall requirements compliance * Concept of operations (CONOPS) development * Program planning including scope definition and task estimation * Technical leadership of cross-functional/discipline teams * Proficient written communication skills including technical writing * Proficient verbal skills including technical presentations with the ability and technical confidence to brief a variety of internal and external customers, * Development and verification of space-based electronics * Familiarity with optical systems for visible through long wave infrared applications for both imaging and non-imaging systems * Control theory with open and closed-loop feedback * Firmware and software development (e.g., VHDL, C, C++, Python, MatLab) * Use and development of analytical tools such as MatLab for modeling and analysis for system development, evaluation, and verification * Parts, materials, and processes for space environments * Modeling and analysis of EO/IR systems, This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance. ## Description As a Principal Systems Engineer you will work in a team-based environment to develop Electro-Optical (EO) systems that operate in space environments. You will be expected to work in a technical leadership position managing requirements, providing technical oversight for internal and subcontracted designs, and formal verification of systems and/or subassemblies. Principal Systems Engineers must possess skills in requirements management, system integration, requirements verification, supplier management, qualification and acceptance testing, prepare and present technical material for customer reviews, and author contract documents., * Work with the technical team to establish robust and executable program plans including the identification of tasks, trade studies, modelling and analyses, and risk and opportunity identification and management * Review and assess customer requirements and provide proper requirements management including validation, decomposition, and flow down, specification development, interface control/protocol definition, and technical budgeting * Develop and guide verification including requirements verification matrix development, verification plans, test requirements, and preparation of sell-off materials to demonstrate compliance * Evaluate the work and results from the technical team and provide feedback and direction * Communicate and collaborate with the program office, functional management, and technical team members to ensure proper program execution and early issue and risk identification * Document statement of work (SOW) and performance specifications for subcontracted items ## Related Videos - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [How to Domain Model – An example from manufacturing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/742-how-to-domain-model-an-example-from-manufacturing) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Software stack under and over the hood of the fastest accelerating car in the world](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/221-software-stack-under-and-over-the-hood-of-the-fastest-accelerating-car-in-the-world) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers)