Lead Systems Engineer - NAVWAR

Safran•Rochester, NY

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Safran Federal Systems is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to develop a product line from the ground up, rapidly iterate and test design candidates, and refine successful prototypes into products. The engineer will own technical solutions for NAVWAR, electronic warfare (EW), PNT/GNSS threat simulation, and related technologies, leading research and development, defining and managing system requirements, and overseeing verification and validation. The role works closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust systems and reports to the Engineering Director. It is based in the Rochester, NY office, with travel of up to 25% of the time. Safran Federal Systems provides resilient positioning, navigation, and timing (R-PNT) solutions and custom engineering services to U.S. Government agencies, defense organizations, and their contractors. The company is authorized to work on classified and unclassified U.S. Government projects. The position combines systems engineering and customer-facing technical work. Responsibilities include requirements management, design reviews, technical documentation, data-driven verification and troubleshooting, customer presentations and training, cost and proposal support, and participation in industry working groups and professional conferences. The engineer may provide on-site technical expertise as needed.

Requirements

At least 6 years of experience in a related role.
Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering, software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Experience designing to strict security requirements, particularly DoD requirements for handling classified data.
Technical writing experience, such as academic theses, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, or project reports; ability to support writing with high-quality graphics, charts, or schematics.
Proficiency creating technical documentation, including system specifications, design documents, and user manuals.
Strong speaking, presentation, and dialogue skills, including comfort presenting to senior military and staff personnel and communicating with technical and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated customer focus, ownership, urgency, and drive, with the ability to adapt quickly to new technologies.
Active security clearance is strongly preferred; ability and willingness to obtain a security clearance upon hire is required.
Self-motivation, effective self-prioritization, and comfort working with ambiguity.
Strong verbal and written communication across internal and external organizations.
Experience with programming languages such as Python, C++, or MATLAB, and familiarity with version control systems such as Git.
Skills with requirements management tools such as Jira, Spiraplan, or DOORS.
Technical knowledge of GNSS receivers (such as u-blox), GNSS simulators (such as BroadSim or GSS9000), and/or CRPAs.
Experience in performance and vulnerability testing of PNT systems, including troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
Ability to be agile and have fun.

Nice To Haves

Experience with FIPS 140-2 or FIPS 140-3.
Experience designing for Tempest.
Experience designing anti-tamper systems.
Experience with cybersecurity systems.
Experience with RF systems, including electronic warfare (EW) and navigation warfare (NAVWAR).
Experience with Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) systems.
Experience designing for harsh environmental conditions, including shock, vibration, and high-g systems.
Experience using AI tools to increase productivity.
Active security clearance.

Responsibilities

Define and manage system requirements and specifications throughout the system lifecycle.
Interact with customers’ systems engineers and hardware, electrical, software, and other technical staff.
Gather and analyze stakeholder requirements and ensure alignment with business goals and regulatory standards.
Lead system design reviews, technical assessments, and risk analysis activities.
Create and maintain documentation for system design, verification, and validation processes.
Provide technical guidance and support to project teams during development and deployment.
Analyze data to verify system requirements and validate system performance.
Ensure compliance with industry standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements.
Provide on-site technical expertise as needed.
Perform hands-on, data-driven troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
Work with Applications Engineers to present products and technical material to customers and partners, and train customers on delivered solutions.
Create streamlined technical documentation for customized solutions, such as manuals and interconnect drawings.
Generate cost baselines and work breakdown structures for internal cost and price reviews.
Support development of Government and DoD business, directly with the Government and indirectly through large system integrators, by understanding factors critical to customer mission success.
Participate in industry working groups related to inertial and GNSS navigation and simulation.
Collaborate on proposals, RFI responses, and whitepapers.
Present technical material at professional conferences.