> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/557633-principal-mission-systems-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/557633-principal-mission-systems-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Mission / Systems Engineer - **Company:** Collins Aerospace - **Location:** San Jose, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $118,300.0 - $224,900.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Bash Shell, Signals Intelligence, Software Debugging, Linux, Hardware Design, Python (Programming Language), Systems Development Life Cycle, Shell Script, Signal Processing, Software Engineering, Software Systems, System Software, Systems Integration, Test Execution Engine, Data Server Interface, Test Scripts - **Published:** June 13, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=f11e8e2da8864820 ## About the Role Do you have experience in Systems integration?, * Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of relevant prior experience * Active and transferable U.S. government issued Top Secret SCI (TS/SCI) security clearance required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance * Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in systems engineering including experience with design, development and testing of custom hardware and software systems of high complexity * Experience interacting with development teams to resolve discrepancies and issues * Experience identifying, analyzing, and resolving problems in all phases of the system lifecycle * Experience with systems integration, test execution, and test results documentation * Hands-on experience with Linux and/or Linux variants * Experience problem solving and debugging * Experience recognizing areas of improvement or customer needs and relaying them to senior staff as business development possibilities * Experience working with customers, end users, hardware design teams, and software design teams * Ability to work weekends and nights periodically to support integration and testing efforts Qualifications We Prefer: * Experience formalizing, developing, and writing requirements, plans, and procedures based on customer discussions, briefings, interactions, and statements of work * Experience developing system level designs, high level control and data interfaces * Experience with bid and proposal activities related to system development. * Experience with RF, fiber optics, and/or telecommunications standards and processing techniques * Experience with design, development, integration and test of complex communication systems * Experience developing high speed processing hardware or complex control software * Experience developing training courses and training others * Experience with Linux scripting languages, such as Python or Bash * Experience in generating test scripts to automate integration * Understanding of telecommunications systems concepts and signal processing fundamentals * Existing TS/SCI with polygraph (within the last 24 months) Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as: Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products. ## Description Applied Signal Technology (AST) is seeking a Principal Mission / Systems Engineer who strives for excellence and has a passion to be part of a team that strengthens our nation and improves the security of our world. AST provides trusted strategic and tactical SIGINT solutions that secure the interests of the U.S. and its partners. AST's work in areas such as high-capacity broadband communications, signal processing and analysis, tactical SIGINT, and wireless communications continually challenge our extraordinary engineers to resolve problems and make the world a safer place. AST's work environment is passionate, highly collaborative and provides engineers with the freedom to strengthen and expand their skills, explore new and creative ideas, and work closely with our nation's finest service members all while embracing integrity, innovation, and work-life balance., * You will collaborate with other experienced members in R&D on system development and deployments for the protection of our country. * You will generate briefings and present material to team members, customers, and AST Management as necessary. * You will be an integral part of a team that makes decisions and generates ideas that will push products above and beyond. * May travel up to 25% ## Related Videos - [Old tools, new tricks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1916-old-tools-new-tricks) - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Are Classical Automation Frameworks Dead? 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