Principal Systems Engineer

Leidos Defense is seeking a highly skilled, visionary Principal Systems Engineer to join our multi-disciplinary engineering organization. In this role, you will drive the architectural design, hardware-software integration, and deployment of next-generation tactical systems, and advanced technologies for critical Department of Defense (DoD) initiatives. As a Principal contributor, you will act as a primary subject matter expert, translating complex customer concepts into flight-ready hardware solutions. You will provide strategic technical direction across multi-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), manage high-level engineering complexities, design robust embedded architectures, and guide engineering teams through entire hardware lifecycles., Architect, lead, and deliver state-of-the-art hypersonic vehicle designs, and custom/COTS Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) for missile systems.

Support complex system designs utilizing high-integrated multi-disciplinary integration techniques and Weapon Open System Architecture/WOSA frameworks.

Direct multi-disciplinary Integrated Product Teams (IPTs). Act as the primary internal technical authority, hosting weekly technical interchange meetings with external subcontractors to maintain design consistency.

Partner with engineering teams to translate military standards into rigorous hardware requirements. support Control Account Managers (CAMs) by providing precise technical write-ups, work breakdowns, and schedule estimates for Earned Value Management (EVM), CapEx initiatives, and major competitive proposals.

Act as a certified test conductor or lead verification engineer to establish comprehensive system-level test plans, environmental stress screening, HWIL integration, and launch-readiness countdown actions.

• Master’s degree in, engineering, or related STEM discipline with 10+ years of systems engineering experience; OR a bachelor’s degree in engineering, or similar with 12+ years of relevant systems engineering experience.
• Proven background as a architect or technical lead creating flight-worthy weapon systems.
• Comprehensive working knowledge and implementation history with defense standards
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams, acting as an IPT Lead, product owner, or scrum master within an agile framework.
• U.S. Citizenship is strictly required. Candidate must possess an active Top Secret security clearance
• Ability to travel 25% or more, * Prior experience developing high complexity hypersonic systems
• Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies, SysML concepts, or requirements tools such as Cameo/MagicDraw and IBM DOORS.
• Hands-on experience implementing open system architectures such as Weapon Open System Architecture (WOSA) or Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) messaging standards.

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That’s why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business., Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com .