> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1724580-senior-principal-systems-lead-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1724580-senior-principal-systems-lead-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). --- # Senior Principal Systems Lead Engineer - **Company:** General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. - **Location:** Fort Wayne, IN, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $174,203.0 - $183,730.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Computer-Aided Design, Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Systems Engineering, Confluence, JIRA, Cyber Security, Nvidia CUDA, SolidWorks (CAD), Cursor (Graphical User Interface Elements), Linux on Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Network Interface Controllers, Firmware, Failure Mode Effects Analysis, Design of User Interfaces, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Mesh Networking, Systems Development Life Cycle, Requirements Management, Software Requirements Analysis, Subsystems, Systems Modeling Language, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Test Execution Engine, User-Centered Design, Information Security Management System, Cisco Discovery Protocol, MagicDraw, Git, MIL-STD-810 Environmental Testing, Creo, TensorRT, Software Version Control - **Published:** July 15, 2026 - **Apply:** https://justjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/17593134?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F17593134%2FSenior-Principal-Systems-Lead-Engineer-Indiana-Fort-Wayne ## About the Role Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience., Ability to obtain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required., * Bachelor's in a STEM field and 10+ years of systems engineering experience; or Master's + 8 years. * Demonstrated systems engineering leadership on complex, multi-disciplinary defense programs-requirements decomposition, system architecture, interface definition, and driving delivery from design through field demonstration. * System-of-Systems integration experience spanning autonomy, RF communications, unmanned vehicles, munitions, sensors, and C2 software. * Hands-on prototype development leadership-managing build schedules and driving teams through iterative build-test-learn cycles. * Hardware/software integration experience including board-level integration, embedded software deployment, and firmware/software version management. * Proficiency with MBSE tools (SysML, Cameo/MagicDraw, or equivalent) for requirements capture, architecture modeling, and ICD generation. * Experience authoring ICDs, SSS, System Development Plans, CONOPS documentation, and CDRLs for DoD programs. * Ability to lead cross-functional, multi-vendor engineering teams with strong written and verbal communication skills. * Active DoD Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship required. * Willingness to travel up to 25% (event-driven: demonstrations, customer reviews, integration events)., * Prior experience on munitions, counter-obstacle, or related DoD programs. * Autonomous systems experience-UGVs, navigation, perception, and human-machine teaming. * RF communications systems experience-SDR, mesh networking, anti-jam, and BLOS integration. * Familiarity with AI/ML inference on embedded edge platforms (NVIDIA Jetson/CUDA/TensorRT). * Munitions and fuzing systems knowledge-warhead integration, safe-and-arm devices, fire control, and fuze safety (MIL-STD-1316). * Experience with MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-882E, and related military standards. * Embedded Linux, Jetson/GPU platforms, and real-time embedded software experience. * Familiarity with TAK ecosystem, Cursor on Target (CoT) protocols, and battle management system integration. * Cybersecurity compliance experience-RMF, NIST SP 800-53, DISA STIGs. * Reliability & Maintainability engineering-R&M predictions, FRACAS, FMEA/FMECA. * Human-Centered Design (HCD) experience-wireframing, user interface design, operator interaction analysis. * Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the creation of systems engineering artifacts. ## Description * Cameo/MagicDraw (MBSE), Confluence, Jira, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Git, Creo/SolidWorks (CAD review), AWS, WinTAK/GeoSuite, lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers)., * Technical Leadership: Lead a multi-discipline engineering team through technical, program, and customer meetings. Guide junior engineers, drive integration and test execution, coordinate with subcontractor teams, and remove blockers to maintain schedule momentum. * Systems Engineering Lifecycle: Own requirements analysis, system architecture, interface definition, CDRL development, prototype build, integration execution, and customer deliverables across a System-of-Systems encompassing autonomous vehicles, munitions, RF communications, and C2 software. * Requirements Management: Decompose, trace, and validate system requirements. Manage customer and derived requirements across all subsystems with bidirectional traceability from requirements through design and verification evidence. * System Architecture & MBSE: Develop and maintain a model-based system architecture covering functional, logical, and physical decomposition. Define system interfaces and ensure traceability from requirements through design solutions. * Prototype Development: Lead design, fabrication, and iterative build of system and subsystem prototypes. Coordinate hardware procurement, manage lab standup, and drive build-test-learn cycles to rapidly mature system capabilities. * Hardware/Software Integration: Oversee HW/SW implementation across all subsystems. Review and approve design decisions, manage firmware/software version baselines, and resolve interface issues during integration. * ICD & Technical Documentation: Lead Interface Control Document development for all internal and external interfaces. Author System Development Plans, System/Subsystem Specifications, and Monthly Technical Reports meeting DI-series data item descriptions. * Safety & Cybersecurity: Support system safety analysis (FHA, hazard identification, risk assessment) per MIL-STD-882E and review board activities. Contribute to RMF cybersecurity compliance and System Security Plan development. * Integration & Test: Drive test case development, procedure reviews, and hands-on integration activities. Lead Problem Review Boards, resolve test discrepancies, and drive knowledge point demonstrations and customer acceptance testing. ## Related Videos - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Robots are coming into the wild! Full-Stack Robotics Engineers, be ready!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/479-robots-are-coming-into-the-wild-full-stack-robotics-engineers-be-ready) - [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks) - [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [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 Jobs Can You Get with a Software Engineering Degree?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/398-what-jobs-can-you-get-with-a-software-engineering-degree) - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing)