Systems Engineer Principal

SAIC • California, MD

20d

About The Position

JSAIC is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer Principal to support the PMA251 Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) Systems Program Office. The role leads technical direction for high-visibility Naval aviation and shipboard systems that affect Fleet readiness and safety. As the Senior Principal Lead Systems Engineer for Foreign Military Sales (FMS), the engineer sets architecture, drives requirements and integration, mentors engineers, and represents the program at senior reviews. The position partners with NAVAIR, NAVSEA, and international stakeholders across systems such as AAG, EMALS, ALRE, shipboard power and motion control, and related electromechanical and control domains.

The engineer owns system architecture and the technical baseline for multidisciplinary hardware and software systems; leads requirements management, traceability, verification planning, and model-based systems engineering; and directs verification and validation activities. The role chairs or represents engineering at Systems Engineering Technical Reviews and acquisition milestones, integrates input across stakeholders and integrated product teams, enforces configuration and documentation rigor, and mentors junior and mid-level engineers. Travel is 10%, including OCONUS.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer, or related).
• At least 9 years of systems engineering experience delivering complex hardware/software systems in DoD/Navy environments, including leadership of multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience supporting Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs is required.
• Advanced proficiency in MBSE and SysML, such as Cameo/MagicDraw, DOORS/DOORS NG, and Digital Engineering methods such as digital thread/twin.
• Demonstrated success owning architecture, requirements, integration, and V&V for large programs; ACAT I/MDAP-scale programs are preferred.
• Hands-on familiarity with SETR (SRR/SFR/PDR/CDR) and lifecycle processes aligned to AAF/DoD 5000.
• Experience with modeling and simulation to support performance analysis, such as MATLAB/Simulink or Python, and test planning.
• Exceptional communication skills for technical briefs, stakeholder engagement, and decision support.
• Interim Secret clearance required to start, with ability to obtain and maintain Secret clearance.
• Ability to travel 10%, including OCONUS.

Nice To Haves

• Prior-service U.S. Navy experience or direct NAVAIR/NAVSEA systems or test engineering background.
• Exposure to AAG, EMALS, ALRE, shipboard control systems, high-energy/linear motor drives, power conversion/distribution, and motion control.
• Experience with Operational Test & Evaluation (OTF), interoperability testing, and Fleet exercises; familiarity with OTR/OTD.
• Familiarity with Cameo/MagicDraw, Jira/Confluence, MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW, and data analytics/statistical tools.
• INCOSE CSEP/ESEP, DAU (SE/TE), PMP, or relevant Navy/DoD training.
• Track record serving as a technical authority or IPT lead; interest in a Chief Engineer career path.

Responsibilities

• Own system architecture and the technical baseline for multidisciplinary hardware and software systems, including interfaces, behaviors, allocations, performance, safety, and sustainment across the lifecycle.
• Lead requirements decomposition, allocation, verification planning, DOORS/DOORS NG baselines, and traceability to test and certification.
• Build and govern SysML models using Cameo/MagicDraw, advance digital thread and digital twin practices, and align models with program artifacts such as CONOPS, ICDs, SOWs, and specifications.
• Lead verification and validation strategies, acceptance criteria, MOEs/MOPs, DT&E/OT&E coordination, test readiness, and data-driven performance analysis.
• Prepare for and lead or represent engineering at SETR and acquisition milestones, including SRR, SFR, PDR, CDR, and milestone gates aligned to AAF/DoD 5000; produce technical assessments, trade studies, and risk mitigations.
• Integrate with program offices, Fleet users, industry partners, and cross-functional systems, electrical, mechanical, software, test, cyber, and safety teams.
• Enforce configuration management, change control including ECPs, R&M planning, FMEAs, and disciplined documentation quality.
• Coach junior and mid-level engineers and establish best practices for requirements, modeling, integration, testing, and technical writing.
• Represent the program at senior reviews and partner with NAVAIR/NAVSEA and international stakeholders.

What This Job Offers

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