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# Principal Engineer (Systems Engineer)

- **Company:** General Dynamics Ordnance And Tactical Systems Inc
- **Location:** Colchester, VT, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $119,425.0 - $161,578.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Systems Engineering, Databases, Failure Mode Effects Analysis, Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, Real-Time Operating Systems, Systems Modeling Language, Systems Architecture
- **Published:** August 6, 2026
- **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/17835609?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F17835609%2FPrincipal-Engineer-Systems-Engineer-Vermont-Colchester

## About the Role

* Required education and experience: Associate's Degree and 8-10 years' experience
 * Discipline/Major: Engineering degree required
 * Critical professional related technical skills; computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), * Preferred education and experience: Master's degree in Systems Engineering or other closely related field
 * Knowledge, skills & abilities: Oral and written communication. Analytical thinking. Critical thinking skills. Problem solving skills. Mathematics skills. Computer skills. Technical expertise., + Experience in full lifecycle technology development in the Aerospace or Defense industry
 + Expertise with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using SysML tools such as Cameo for modeling of system and subsystem architectures
 + Demonstrated experience in a technical leadership role, engaging directly with customers, and mentoring engineers
 + Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance is required; an existing clearance is strongly preferred

## Description

We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead integration, qualification, manufacturing, transition to production, and fielding of Active Protection System technologies, including countermeasure munitions, radars, optics, turrets, turret controls, and real-time software. You will work with foreign suppliers, vehicle prime contractors, and US military customers while collaborating with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and program teams. Duties include system architecture, requirements, verification, vehicle integration, testing, troubleshooting, safety, logistics, training, and documentation.

This role requires regular domestic travel and periodic international travel to supplier sites and military facilities.
Impact of the Role
General Profile
Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise in own job discipline or field

 * Uses advanced techniques, theories, and processes to complete work
 * Leads others to solve complex problems
 * Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations
 * May lead functional teams or projects
 * Consistent exercise of discretion & judgment

Essential Functions

 * Applies standard engineering techniques to design, analyze, test, maintain, repair, or improve products, components, or assemblies.
 * Analyzes, develops and evaluates systems.
 * Improves and maintains current systems or creates brand new projects.
 * Designs and drafts blueprints, visits systems in the field and manages projects.
 * Applies engineering techniques and analyses within the scope of the assignment.

Additional Responsibilities
Leads product lifecycle activities including requirements, design, integration, testing, validation, and support. Manages requirement databases, verification methods, and traceability. Plans and executes integration and test efforts. Develops system architecture and supports safety, reliability, logistics, documentation, and obsolescence. Identifies design issues and performs FMEA.


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