Principal Systems Engineer, Product Architecture

PDW • Quinte West, ON

3h • $209,000 - $261,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Principal Systems Engineer Product Architecture to define the technical foundation of our next generation of unmanned systems. As the technical bridge between Product Management and Engineering, you will transform operational needs into scalable product architectures, system requirements, and engineering execution. Working across aircraft, payloads, autonomy, networking, embedded software, and mission systems, you will establish the technical baseline that enables PDW to rapidly develop, field, and evolve mission-critical capabilities for the warfighter.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience developing complex aerospace, defense, robotics, autonomous systems, or unmanned aircraft platforms from concept through production.
• Demonstrated expertise applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies using SysML and industry-standard digital engineering tools.
• Proven experience developing product architectures, system requirements, interface definitions, verification strategies, and technical baselines for multidisciplinary systems.
• Experience developing or integrating small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), mission payloads, tactical communications, RF systems, networking, autonomy, or embedded systems.
• Proficiency with systems engineering tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler, or equivalent platforms.
• Strong understanding of systems integration, networking architectures, payload integration, verification and validation, configuration management, and the engineering product lifecycle.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical decisions while influencing engineering direction without direct organizational authority.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with engineering teams, executive leadership, customers, and government stakeholders.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with DoD Digital Engineering initiatives, Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), Open Mission Systems (OMS), FACE, or other open architecture standards.
• Experience developing, fielding, or sustaining military unmanned systems or autonomous products for U.S. Government customers.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical architecture, system requirements, and engineering baseline for PDW's portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems, payloads, mission systems, and supporting infrastructure.
• Partner with Product Management, customers, and operational stakeholders to translate mission needs and product strategy into complete, verifiable, and traceable system requirements.
• Lead Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) activities by developing and maintaining digital system models, architecture products, and engineering artifacts using SysML.
• Develop and manage system, subsystem, and interface requirements spanning aircraft, payloads, tactical radios, networking, autonomy, embedded software, and ground control systems.
• Conduct architecture trade studies that balance mission effectiveness, technical risk, manufacturability, scalability, cost, schedule, and long-term product evolution.
• Own the product digital thread by maintaining end-to-end traceability from customer need through product requirements, system architecture, design, verification, flight test, and production configuration.
• Author and maintain system specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), requirements traceability matrices, verification plans, and technical review packages.
• Lead technical planning and support system integration, laboratory testing, flight testing, verification, validation, and customer demonstrations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• On-site gym.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior