Systems Engineer Senior Principal

SAIC • California, MD

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a highly experienced Lead Systems Engineer (Senior Principal) to support the PMA234 Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) Systems Program Office. The role provides direct engineering expertise to one of the programs within PMA234, the IPT Lead (IPTL), and Class Desk. The engineer guides engineering decisions, conducts technical evaluations, and coordinates with government, contractor, and other stakeholders to support system performance, maintainability, and technical compliance. This is a high-visibility role that influences engineering and programmatic outcomes for Navy electronic attack capabilities.

The position leads or supports technical evaluations, systems engineering activities, program coordination, technical documentation and baseline management, cross-discipline integration, trade studies, requirements work, and cost, schedule, and performance impact analysis. It involves representing engineering in program and technical events, preparing briefings and correspondence, and presenting findings and recommendations to government leadership.

The position is based in California, Maryland, and offers a hybrid work arrangement. It is full-time, on the day shift, with travel of approximately 10% to program offices, shipyards, and/or test ranges. An Interim Secret clearance is required to start, and the employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. The target salary range is $160,001–$200,000, depending on experience and other factors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical or scientific discipline.
• At least 14 years of relevant Systems Engineering experience in DoD, NAVAIR, or similar acquisition environments.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, verbally and in writing.
• Interim Secret clearance required to start.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
• Ability to travel approximately 10% to program offices, shipyards, and/or test ranges.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced knowledge of Navy and NAVAIR engineering processes.
• Top Secret clearance.
• Experience leading engineering teams or providing engineering leadership.
• Experience providing Systems Engineering APMSE support.
• Experience with NAVAIR SETR processes, including SRR, SFR, PDR, and CDR.
• Experience with Systems Engineering Transformation (SET).
• Experience developing or reviewing Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs).
• Experience with airworthiness and CyberSafe processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the review, analysis, and acceptance of engineering documents, including SOWs, CDRLs, technical proposals, SETR artifacts, technical maturity assessments, and program requirements compliance.
• Identify engineering deficiencies, develop recommended solutions, and communicate impacts to program leadership.
• Analyze specifications, data packages, and suitability and supportability documentation.
• Coordinate and facilitate technical meetings with contractors, the PMA domestic team, and other stakeholders.
• Represent engineering in PMRs, technical reviews, SETR events, working groups, conferences, and related program activities.
• Prepare briefings, track action items, and maintain accurate records in Program Management Databases.
• Prepare or review technical documentation supporting program baselines, including ECPs, ICDs, requirements and requirement changes, product test verifications, investigations, analyses, and engineering assessments.
• Assist with drafting formal letters, memos, technical evaluations, and other correspondence for the government customer.
• Coordinate with engineering, logistics, fleet support teams, and contractor personnel to resolve technical issues across the system lifecycle.
• Maintain communication among PMA IPTs, U.S. Navy stakeholders, contractors, and international partners; provide executive-level communication to align engineering teams and program leadership.
• Lead or support SETR events, providing technical insight into system maturity, requirements verification, architecture updates, and design progress.
• Perform trade studies, research, and data analysis to support engineering and programmatic decisions.
• Assess operational requirements and ensure alignment with budget, schedules, and performance objectives.
• Evaluate the cost, schedule, and operational performance impacts of new technologies, modifications, and requirement changes.
• Present findings and recommendations to government leadership to support milestone decisions.

What This Job Offers

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