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# Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Airborne PNT

- **Company:** QuEST Defense
- **Location:** United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $100,000.0 - $160,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Configuration Management, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), GPS Navigation Devices, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Requirements Traceability, Systems Modeling Language, Systems Architecture, Jama (Software), MagicDraw, SC Clearance, MIL-STD-810 Environmental Testing, DO-178B
- **Published:** October 26, 2026
- **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/sr-principal-systems-engineer-airborne-pnt-quest-defense-systems-solution-10560689

## About the Role

We don't just build technology-we engineer the future. From next-gen aerospace to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the limits of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and big thinkers thrive., * Bachelor's degree in a STEM field such as Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.

 * Minimum experience:
 - 8+ years with a BS
 - 6+ years with an MS
 - 4+ years with a PhD
 * Demonstrated experience across the full systems engineering lifecycle (requirements, architecture, design, integration, test).
 * Strong understanding of real-time embedded systems and system-level hardware/software interfaces.
 * Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly in documentation, presentations, and cross-functional discussions.
 * Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance.

Preferred Education, Experience & Skills

 * Experience with airborne certification processes or standards (DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-STD-882, MIL-STD-810).
 * Familiarity with military PNT systems, GPS receivers, anti-jam technologies, A-PNT architectures, or resilient navigation techniques.
 * Experience with MBSE tools such as Cameo, MagicDraw, MagicGrid, or SysML modeling frameworks.
 * Proficiency with requirements tools (DOORS, JAMA) and engineering analysis tools (MATLAB, Python).
 * Active Secret or Top Secret clearance.
 * Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field.
 * Experience using generative AI or automation tools to enhance system modeling, analysis, or documentation productivity.

## Description

* Systems Development: Lead requirement analysis, decomposition, and derivation of system-level specifications into hardware, software, and interface requirements.
 * Architecture & Design: Define and refine architectures for real-time embedded GPS/PNT systems optimized for airborne platforms, advanced receivers, and secure navigation processing chains.
 * Process Leadership: Drive disciplined systems engineering processes, ensuring traceability, configuration management, and audit-ready engineering artifacts.
 * Verification & Validation: Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, integration procedures, and qualification activities to verify system performance under operational and stressed conditions.
 * Digital Engineering: Utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies to enhance requirements traceability, behavioral modeling, and system consistency.
 * Technical Collaboration: Partner with software, RF, hardware, and algorithm engineering teams to resolve multi-disciplinary challenges and conduct detailed trade studies.
 * Mentorship: Provide guidance and technical mentorship to systems engineers across experience levels, promoting rigor, consistency, and continuous improvement.
 * Customer Engagement: Prepare and present technical briefings to internal leadership, program management, and government/military stakeholders.