Senior Systems Engineer, Principal

This senior-level position provides technical leadership across complex engineering programs involving systems architecture, digital engineering, cloud modernization, cybersecurity integration, mission systems analysis, and operational capability development. The Principal Systems Engineer will serve as a trusted technical advisor to government stakeholders while leading multidisciplinary engineering teams supporting national security and defense modernization initiatives.

This is a full-time position supporting onsite, hybrid, or customer-location environments depending on contract requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering activities across the full system lifecycle including requirements development, architecture design, integration, testing, deployment, and sustainment
• Provide technical leadership for complex defense, intelligence, cyber, space, and enterprise modernization programs
• Develop and maintain system architectures, interface definitions, technical baselines, and engineering roadmaps
• Lead systems integration efforts involving hardware, software, cloud, cybersecurity, networking, and mission applications
• Perform advanced systems analysis, trade studies, modeling, simulation, and risk assessments to support mission requirements and technology decisions
• Guide requirements management, traceability analysis, verification, validation, and operational readiness activities
• Support digital engineering, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Agile, and DevSecOps initiatives across mission programs
• Collaborate with senior government leaders, engineers, analysts, developers, and operational stakeholders to align technical solutions with mission objectives
• Provide technical oversight for cloud transformation, infrastructure modernization, data integration, and secure systems engineering initiatives
• Ensure compliance with DoD, IC, NIST, RMF, Zero Trust, and cybersecurity standards and policies
• Develop executive briefings, technical reports, architecture documentation, and implementation strategies
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical direction across engineering and mission support teams
• Support proposal development, technical solutioning, capture activities, and business development initiatives as required

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or related technical discipline
• 15+ years of experience supporting systems engineering efforts within DoD, IC, or Federal environments
• Extensive experience leading complex systems engineering and systems integration programs
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering methodologies, enterprise architecture, and distributed systems
• Experience supporting cloud technologies, cybersecurity integration, infrastructure modernization, and mission systems engineering
• Experience leading technical teams and collaborating with senior government stakeholders
• Knowledge of systems lifecycle processes including requirements analysis, testing, verification, validation, and sustainment
• Familiarity with Agile development, DevSecOps, digital engineering, and MBSE methodologies
• Excellent leadership, analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in dynamic mission environments
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility required

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related discipline
• Experience supporting Air Force, Space Force, Intelligence Community, cyber, ISR, or defense modernization initiatives
• Expertise with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies
• Experience with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform environments
• Familiarity with advanced analytics, AI/ML-enabled systems, and data engineering platforms
• Knowledge of enterprise cybersecurity frameworks, Zero Trust architectures, and secure systems engineering principles
• Relevant certifications such as:
• INCOSE CSEP/ESEP
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect
• CISSP
• Security+
• SAFe Agilist
• TOGAF
• Experience supporting proposal efforts, technical capture management, and strategic growth initiatives

Work Environment

• Hybrid and customer-site support environments based on contract requirements
• Some travel may be required in support of mission and customer engagements
• Collaborative and mission-focused culture supporting national security and advanced technology initiatives