Senior Principal Digital Engineer

Arcfield•City of Schenectady, NY

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Principal Digital Engineer to join our team supporting the modernization of Digital Engineering (DE) and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) for Naval Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) programs in either the Albany, NY OR the West Mifflin PA area. This role will focus on implementing cutting-edge MBSE processes, advancing Digital Threads, integrating Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) methodologies, and modernizing engineering and operational processes across a large organization. The ideal candidate will be a technical leader with deep expertise in systems engineering, hands-on application of digital transformation, and organizational change. The Senior Principal Engineer is expected to bring both technical expertise and leadership to the role, serving as a trusted contributor and advisor within cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with the initiative to work independently, yet highly collaborative in guiding projects to successful outcomes. This individual demonstrates the ability to analyze complex engineering challenges, develop innovative solutions, and provide technical leadership across system integration, sustainment, safety, and acquisition activities. Key responsibilities include:

Requirements

BS 10-12, MS 8-10, Phd 5-7
Master’s Degree in technical or scientific field with at least 8 years of recent and relevant Digital Engineering/Systems Engineering experience OR Bachelor’s Degree in technical or scientific field with at least 10 years of recent and relevant Digital Engineering/Systems Engineering experience
At least 3 years of DoW/DOE experience
Demonstrated experience in a relevant area of engineering
Demonstrated understanding of the concept of Digital Threads
Possess and maintain a DOE-L Clearance or higher OR a DoD/DoW Secret Clearance or higher

Nice To Haves

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Experience:
Demonstrated hands-on experience implementing MBSE methodologies in complex systems
Proficiency with Cameo Systems Modeler, MagicDraw, or similar MBSE environments
Experience creating and managing SysML/UML models for large-scale engineering projects
Knowledge of requirements management and traceability within model-based environments
Digital Thread Implementation:
Practical experience implementing Digital Thread frameworks in engineering organizations
Hands-on expertise with Syndeia, eQube, or similar Digital Thread tools
Experience connecting disparate engineering tools and databases into a unified information flow
Knowledge of configuration management practices for model and data integration
Digital Engineering/MBSE Patterns:
Understanding of Digital Engineering Strategy principles and implementation frameworks
Knowledge of MBSE patterns, anti-patterns, and best practices for complex systems
Experience with digital artifacts management and model validation techniques
Familiarity with digital transformation roadmaps for large engineering organizations
Software Development & Automation:
Experience with scripting languages (Python, JavaScript, etc.) for engineering automation
Knowledge of API integration for connecting engineering tools and platforms
Experience developing custom plugins or extensions for MBSE tools
Background in software development methodologies (Agile, DevOps) applied to systems engineering
Experience with version control systems (Git, SVN) for managing engineering artifacts
Advanced Technical Skills:
Proficiency with database technologies and query languages for engineering data management
Experience with cloud platforms for hosting engineering tools and models
Knowledge of AI/ML integration within engineering workflows and decision support
Experience with visualization techniques for complex engineering data and relationships
Project Implementation Experience:
History of successfully implementing MBSE/DE frameworks in large organizations
Experience developing training programs and materials for digital engineering adoption
Track record of overcoming organizational resistance to new engineering methodologies
Experience managing the transition from document-based to model-based processes
Domain Knowledge:
Familiarity with Naval Nuclear Laboratory programs, systems, or similar complex domains
Understanding of systems engineering processes in regulated environments
Experience with Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DoD) programs

Responsibilities

Creation and Maintenance of a Digital Thread
Design, implement, and sustain a cohesive Digital Thread framework to integrate tools, data, and models across system lifecycles.
Ensure seamless data flow across domains and stakeholders to enable traceability, collaboration, and decision-making.
Development of Systems Engineering and MBSE Processes
Establish and refine Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices tailored to organizational goals and program needs.
Develop standardized processes, workflows, and guidelines for implementing systems engineering and MBSE methodologies.
Orchestrating Organizational Change
Lead efforts to foster the adoption of Digital Engineering and MBSE practices throughout the organization.
Provide training, coaching, and ongoing support to teams, bridging gaps in technical knowledge and overcoming resistance to change.