Principal Systems Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Principal Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership for the design, development, integration, test, verification, and sustainment of advanced space systems and satellite technologies. This individual will play a critical role in shaping system architecture, driving cross-functional engineering efforts, and leading the successful execution of complex aerospace and defense programs from concept development through mission deployment and operations. The ideal candidate combines strong systems engineering expertise with hands-on technical experience across electrical, mechanical, software, and spacecraft subsystems. This role requires a strategic thinker who can effectively lead multidisciplinary teams while remaining engaged in the technical details that drive mission success. Responsibilities

• Lead the full systems engineering lifecycle including requirements development, architecture definition, interface management, integration, verification, validation, and mission readiness activities.
• Develop and maintain system requirements, specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), verification matrices, and technical data packages.
• Establish system architectures and technical solutions for spacecraft, payloads, ground systems, and mission operations.
• Support the design, development, assembly, integration, testing, and deployment of satellite systems and related technologies.
• Lead system-level trade studies and technical assessments to optimize performance, reliability, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Oversee subsystem integration efforts spanning electrical power systems, communications, avionics, structures, propulsion, software, and payload technologies.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineers across multiple disciplines.
• Serve as the primary technical authority for system-level decisions, risk management, and engineering problem resolution.
• Drive engineering reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR, and mission readiness assessments.
• Develop and execute integration, qualification, acceptance, and environmental test strategies for flight and ground hardware.
• Lead anomaly investigations, root cause analysis efforts, and corrective action implementation.
• Ensure traceability between requirements, verification activities, and mission performance objectives.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and lead research initiatives focused on next-generation spacecraft and mission capabilities.
• Support rapid prototyping, technology maturation, and transition of innovative concepts into operational systems.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, customers, and mission partners to advance program objectives.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation throughout the program lifecycle.
• Present technical information to executive leadership, customers, partners, and review boards.
• Ensure effective communication across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced development environment.

Avionics Visionary Operations Leadership Mentorship Innovation Propulsion Spacecraft Subsystems Reliability Traceability Communication Investigation Risk Management Radio Frequency Team Leadership Digital Systems Rapid Prototyping Power Electronics Root Cause Analysis Systems Engineering Systems Integration System Requirements Integration Testing Environmental Tests Technical Authority Technical Leadership Systems Architecture Emerging Technologies Aerospace Engineering Printed Circuit Board Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Electric Power Systems Communications Systems Effective Communication Requirements Management Configuration Management Engineering Change Order Engineering Documentation Technical Risk Management Engineering Design Process Verification And Validation Requirements Specifications System Interface Management Critical Design Review (CDR), * 10+ years of systems engineering experience supporting complex aerospace, defense, satellite, or spacecraft programs.

• 3+ years of technical leadership, team leadership, or supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing complete product lifecycles from concept development through deployment and sustainment.
• Experience developing and maintaining system requirements, architecture products, verification plans, and technical baselines.
• Experience with systems engineering and requirements management tools such as DOORS, Cradle, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience authoring and managing Interface Control Documents (ICDs), requirements specifications, and verification documentation.
• Experience planning and executing qualification, acceptance, and environmental testing for aerospace or space hardware.
• Understanding of electrical engineering principles, including power electronics, digital systems, RF communications, and PCB-based hardware development.
• Familiarity with configuration management, technical risk management, and engineering change processes., * Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) preferred.
• Strong background in spacecraft systems engineering and satellite architecture.
• Knowledge of spacecraft electrical power systems, avionics, communications systems, and environmental considerations associated with spaceflight.
• Previous experience supporting small satellite, CubeSat, or constellation programs.
• Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies.
• Familiarity with mission operations, satellite communications, and ground segment architectures.
• Experience supporting government, defense, intelligence, or commercial space customers.
• Active or previously held U.S. security clearance.

Work Environment

The work environment involves collaboration with cross-functional teams in a dynamic and fast-paced aerospace and defense setting. The role requires interaction with advanced technologies and equipment used in the development and testing of space systems and satellite technologies. Expect a professional atmosphere that emphasizes innovation, technical excellence, and effective communication across diverse engineering disciplines. Job Type & Location, Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors., Merritt Island, FL*On-Site

Planning Research Avionics Visionary Operations Leadership Mentorship Innovation Propulsion Spacecraft Subsystems Reliability Traceability Communication Investigation Risk Management Radio Frequency Team Leadership Digital Systems Rapid Prototyping Power Electronics Root Cause Analysis Systems Engineering Systems Integration System Requirements Integration Testing Environmental Tests Technical Authority Technical Leadership Systems Architecture Emerging Technologies Aerospace Engineering Printed Circuit Board Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Electric Power Systems Communications Systems Effective Communication Requirements Management Configuration Management Engineering Change Order Engineering Documentation Technical Risk Management Engineering Design Process Verification And Validation Requirements Specifications System Interface Management Critical Design Review (CDR) Model Based Systems Engineering, Visionary Operations Innovation Switchgear Low Voltage Oil and Gas Data Centers High Voltage Commissioning Motor Control Medium Voltage Electrical Load One-Line Diagram Systems Analysis Power Distribution Electrical Systems Aerospace Industry Equipment Selection Refinery Experience Electrical Equipment Technical Engineering Electrical Engineering Electric Power Systems Project Implementation National Electrical Codes Transformers (Electrical) Engineering Design Process SKM (Power System Software) Electric Power Distribution Monitor Control Command Set Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) High Voltage Transmission Systems

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