Systems Engineer Principal

SAIC • California, MD

6d

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer Principal to support the PMA251 Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) Systems Program Office. The role provides technical direction for high-visibility Naval aviation and shipboard systems that affect Fleet readiness and safety, with a focus on Foreign Military Sales (FMS). The engineer will set architecture, drive requirements and integration, mentor engineers, and represent the program at senior reviews while working with NAVAIR/NAVSEA and international stakeholders across systems including AAG, EMALS, ALRE, shipboard power and motion control, and related electromechanical and control domains.

The position owns the system architecture and technical baseline for multidisciplinary hardware and software systems throughout their lifecycle. It leads requirements decomposition, allocation, traceability, and verification planning; governs SysML models and digital engineering practices; and leads verification and validation strategies, test coordination, and performance analysis. It also leads or represents engineering at SETR and acquisition milestones, integrates stakeholders and IPTs, maintains configuration and documentation rigor, and mentors engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, such as Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Computer, or a related field.
• 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.
• Advanced proficiency in MBSE and SysML, such as Cameo/MagicDraw, DOORS/DOORS NG, and digital engineering methods including digital thread/twin.
• Demonstrated success owning architecture, requirements, integration, and V&V for large programs; ACAT I/MDAP-scale experience is preferred.
• Hands-on familiarity with SETR (SRR/SFR/PDR/CDR) and lifecycle processes aligned to AAF/DoD 5000.
• Experience with modeling and simulation for performance analysis and test planning, such as MATLAB/Simulink or Python.
• 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.
• Willingness 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, 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, and interest in a Chief Engineer career path.

Responsibilities

• Own system architecture and technical baselines for multidisciplinary hardware/software systems, guiding interface, behavior, allocation, performance, safety, and sustainment decisions across the lifecycle.
• Lead requirements decomposition, allocation, verification planning, and traceability; maintain DOORS/DOORS NG baselines and trace requirements through test and certification.
• Build and govern SysML models and advance MBSE, digital thread, and digital twin practices in alignment with program artifacts such as CONOPS, ICDs, SOWs, and specifications.
• Define verification and validation strategies, acceptance criteria, MOEs/MOPs, and coordinate DT&E/OT&E, 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; author technical assessments, trade studies, and risk mitigations.
• Coordinate with program offices, Fleet users, industry partners, and cross-functional systems, electrical, mechanical, software, test, cyber, and safety teams.
• Enforce configuration management, change control, R&M planning, FMEAs, and disciplined documentation quality.
• Mentor junior- and mid-level engineers and establish best practices for requirements, modeling, integration, testing, and technical writing.
• Represent the program at senior reviews and engage with NAVAIR/NAVSEA and international stakeholders.

What This Job Offers

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