Principal Systems Engineer (Onsite)

RTX•Sterling, VA

1d•$118,300 - $224,900•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to support the design, development, integration, and sustainment of advanced training systems for a military platform. This role focuses on delivering high-fidelity training capabilities that accurately replicate mission systems, enabling aircrew and operators to train effectively in simulated environments. The ideal candidate brings expert level systems engineering experience, strong knowledge of avionics or mission systems, and the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams in a defense or aerospace environment. This position requires: US Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Security Clearance Day 1. Onsite: This is an onsite role supporting our Sterling, VA location.

Requirements

A degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience, or An Advanced Degree and minimum 3 years experience
Active and transferable U.S. DoD 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
Experience with avionics, radar systems, or airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platforms
Strong understanding of systems engineering lifecycle processes (e.g., requirements, design, integration, V&V)
Ability to work in a classified environment and obtain/maintain required security clearance
Strong communication and collaboration skills

Nice To Haves

15+ years of experience in systems engineering, preferably in aerospace, defense, or simulation/training systems
Experience with naval aviation platforms
Background in simulation and training system development
Familiarity with real-time systems, distributed simulation or virtual training environments
Experience with hardware/software integration and lab environments
Experience with systems modeling tools (e.g., Cameo, DOORS, or similar)
Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and standards

Responsibilities

Lead systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle of training systems, including requirements development, design, integration, test, and sustainment
Develop and manage system requirements, interface control documents, and verification plans
Ensure training systems accurately represent aircraft mission systems, including radar, communications, and command & control functions
Collaborate with software, hardware, and simulation engineers to integrate subsystems into cohesive training solutions
Support model-based systems engineering (MBSE) activities and maintain system architecture artifacts
Conduct system-level testing, validation, and verification to ensure performance meets operational needs
Interface with customers, program managers, and external stakeholders to align technical solutions with mission requirements
Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies related to system performance, integration, and delivery
Support upgrades, modifications, and obsolescence management for existing training systems
Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes

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