Principal Systems Engineer (Onsite)

RTX•Richardson, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Strategic Defense Solutions is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to drive technical execution and engineering excellence across advanced mission‑communication programs with real‑world operational impact. This role is ideal for a proven technical leader who understands that disciplined systems engineering—paired with strong mentorship and vision—directly enables mission success and ensures our customers’ highest‑priority capabilities are delivered with rigor and precision. In this position, you will shape technical direction, guide engineering teams, and own the systems engineering lifecycle from concept development through fielded sustainment. Your deep expertise in mission communications will influence high‑visibility programs, ensuring architectures, requirements, and verification strategies are aligned to mission needs and stakeholder expectations.

Requirements

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
Active and transferable U.S. DoD Top Secret Security Clearance is required prior to start date.
U.S. Citizen - U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract
Extensive experience in requirements development, system architecture, and complex system integration
Deep knowledge of verification and validation methodologies and documentation practices
Demonstrated technical leadership on large, multi‑disciplinary engineering programs
Strong communication, presentation, and problem‑solving skills.
In‑depth experience with mission communication systems
Proven experience performing system testing and producing associated documentation (e.g., test plans, procedures, and results)

Nice To Haves

Active Top Secret Security Clearance (TS/SCI eligibility preferred)
PhD in a relevant engineering discipline
Proficiency with Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and SysML‑based modeling (e.g., Cameo, Rhapsody)
INCOSE CSEP or similar certification.
Experience with risk management frameworks and formal configuration management processes
Prior leadership of large‑scale programs or cross‑functional engineering teams

Responsibilities

Own the elicitation, analysis, and management of complex system‑level and stakeholder requirements
Ensure complete traceability from requirements through design, implementation, and verification
Facilitate requirements validation activities with customers, certification authorities, and internal stakeholders
Develop, evaluate, and approve advanced architectures, system concepts, and interface definitions
Lead and review trade studies and alternatives analysis to balance performance, cost, schedule, and risk
Ensure system design integrity and alignment with mission needs and regulatory standards
Define system‑level V&V strategies, ensuring test coverage across hardware, software, and subsystem interactions
Lead integration activities and coordinate across multidisciplinary engineering teams
Execute system‑level test events and resolve discrepancies
Serve as the primary technical authority interfacing with customers, program management, and engineering organizations
Provide strategic guidance, mentorship, and technical decision support across cross‑functional teams
Present design status, technical risks, and mitigation plans to executive leadership and external stakeholders
Identify, assess, and manage technical risks throughout the product lifecycle
Oversee configuration control, baseline maintenance, and change management processes
Lead design reviews, technical milestone decisions, and readiness assessments
Support sustainment activities, enhancements, and technology insertions across fielded products

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
Tuition reimbursement program
Student Loan Repayment Program
Life insurance and disability coverage
Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
Adoption Assistance
Autism Benefit
Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
Eligible for relocation assistance