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# Principal HWIL Systems Architect & Lead

- **Company:** DESE Research, Inc.
- **Location:** Huntsville, AL, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Distributed Systems, Design of User Interfaces, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, MATLAB, Real-Time Operating Systems, Real Time Simulation, Software Requirements Analysis, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Multithreading, Real Time Systems, Information Technology
- **Published:** October 19, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.thejobnetwork.com/job/fd3843e7-10ec-46b9-b5e8-86185942349a/principal-hwil-systems-architect-lead

## About the Role

* Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (or the ability to obtain one).
 * Bachelor's Degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or a related discipline
 * Experience leading Hardware-In-The-Loop (HWIL) verification campaigns and managing physical interface boundaries AND/OR Experience architecting real-time simulation targets like dSPACE or National Instruments chassis.
 * Systems engineering experience (10+ years) including test, architecture, and interface development and definition and requirement derivation.
 * Familiarity with industry standards and regulations related to defense real-time systems., * Experience in design and development of missile defense test benches or similar closed-loop radar/seeker labs.
 * Knowledge of distributed test setups such as the Objective Simulation Framework (OSF).
 * Proficiency in using engineering software tools for modeling, simulation, and analysis (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Cameo, Real-Time OS configurations).
 * Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex multi-threaded systems and troubleshoot technical issues.

## Description

DESE Research is seeking a Principal HWIL Systems Architect & Lead to work closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers to ensure the successful design, system integration, and qualification of real-time HWIL laboratory environments.

Position is contingent upon contract award.

The successful candidate will:

 * Apply an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to plan, design, develop and verify complex lifecycle-balanced system-of-systems and system solutions.
 * Evaluate customer/operational needs to define and coordinate system performance requirements, integrate technical parameters and assure compatibility of all physical, functional, and program interfaces.
 * Perform various analyses to optimize total system-of-systems and/or system architecture.
 * Perform analyses for affordability, safety, reliability, maintainability, testability, human systems integration, survivability, vulnerability, susceptibility, system security, regulatory, certification, product assurance, and other specialties that factor into a preferred configuration to ensure mission success., * Ensure compliance with system requirements and specifications of the design and development of the real-time HWIL simulator infrastructure.
 * Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical, modeling, and software engineers, to integrate tactical flight computers into the overall test environment.
 * Define and document the laboratory's distributed computing architecture, real-time operating system parameters, and network constraints.
 * Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations, and testing guidelines in the design, setup, and sustainment of the simulation environment.
 * Support test plans and procedure development to verify the functionality and performance of the target hardware under test.
 * Support the troubleshooting and resolution of any technical issues or anomalies related to simulation drops or timing discrepancies during development and testing phases.