Principal Engineer - Functional Validation (Configuration and Framework Architect)

AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.•,

17d

About The Position

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. is seeking an experienced Principal Functional Validation Engineer to lead the development, implementation, and governance of Functional Validation (FV) configuration management and Git/GitLab framework architecture. The engineer serves as the technical subject-matter expert for FV-controlled repositories, framework architecture, version-control practices, test plans, best practices, coding style guidelines, training plans, and related technical assets. The role calls for systems engineering expertise, aerospace testing and validation experience, and the ability to develop scalable, maintainable, and traceable engineering frameworks. As an FV technical authority, the Principal Engineer provides engineering leadership in framework architecture, configuration management, and technical governance. The role designs, implements, and maintains reliable, scalable, and traceable engineering frameworks; establishes technical standards; governs version-control practices; and develops solutions for complex challenges involving automation, configuration integrity, and validation reproducibility. The engineer exercises considerable independence and technical judgment, leads significant initiatives, mentors engineers, resolves complex technical issues, and improves framework reliability and maintainability. The position is based in Merritt Island, Florida. Fully remote candidates located within the United States will also be considered. Periodic travel to Airbus U.S. facilities or partner companies is required (less than 20%), with occasional international travel to collaborate with European Airbus. U.S. citizenship is required, and candidates must be able to obtain and maintain government security clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in STEM, a related scientific area, or equivalent technical training.
Experience meeting one of these stated thresholds: 20+ years with military or other technical training; 15 years of aerospace experience with a bachelor's degree; 12 years of experience with a master's degree; or 10 years of experience with a doctoral degree.
At least 6 years of experience in software and systems testing.
Experience with common systems engineering test tools such as DOORS and Jira.
Experience with satellite Command & Control (C2) systems, including CCS5.
Familiarity with satellite operations and subsystem engineering, including Guidance, Navigation, Control, power systems, data handling, and software.
Familiarity with product and quality assurance principles, including generating and dispositioning test flags and non-conformances.
Experience with object-oriented programming languages such as C and C++, and scripting languages such as TCL and Python.
Ability to read and interpret engineering documentation, including electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, CAD models, and wire lists.
Experience with the full space mission lifecycle, including requirements development, design, manufacturing, testing, and mission operations.
U.S. citizenship.
Ability to obtain and maintain government security clearance.
Ability to meet the listed physical requirements, including carrying and lifting documents, electronic equipment, or supplies weighing up to 40 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Master's or doctoral degree in STEM or a related scientific area.

Responsibilities

Lead framework integration and sustainment, address technical debt, implement capability enhancements, and maintain alignment with Functional Validation requirements.
Manage technical interfaces and integration of new systems, test environments, and validation capabilities to ensure compatibility and operational effectiveness.
Develop and deliver technical training, mentor engineers, and establish knowledge-transfer practices that strengthen FV proficiency and framework sustainability.
Provide hands-on technical support during FV testing, troubleshoot framework issues, and apply lessons learned to improve validation capabilities and performance.
Lead the architecture, development, and continuous improvement of the FV Git/GitLab framework, delivering scalable, reliable, and maintainable solutions aligned with FV objectives and requirements.
Establish and govern version-control standards, including branching strategies, merge and peer-review workflows, versioning, tagging, and configuration management practices.
Develop solutions for engineering challenges involving framework automation, CI/CD capabilities, configuration integrity, and validation traceability, supporting repeatable and reproducible validation activities.
Evaluate architectural alternatives, assess technical risks, review significant framework changes, maintain architectural documentation, and provide technical recommendations.
Establish and maintain validation configuration architectures that enable controlled, repeatable, and consistent validation.
Define and govern configuration identification and traceability linking flight software builds, framework versions, test assets, hardware and simulation environments, test campaigns, and validation results.
Identify, assess, and validate test configurations, including evaluating released flight software changes for FV impact and supporting configuration readiness reviews.
Investigate complex configuration-related anomalies, identify systemic weaknesses, and develop solutions to improve configuration integrity and validation reliability.