Systems Engineering IV

Iris Technology Corp • Irvine, CA

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Systems Engineer IV provides senior-level technical leadership for complex aerospace and defense programs, with responsibility for system requirements, architecture, integration, testing, technical performance, and program execution. This position serves as a principal technical resource for customers, Program Management, Engineering, and cross-functional development teams and provides technical guidance on complex engineering challenges. The Principal Systems Engineer IV also supports proposal efforts, mentors engineering team members, drives innovative solutions, and serves as a principal liaison for engineering quality and process execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field, with Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience, with 20+ years preferred, in highly technical research and development, engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or related environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in technical development, analysis, integration, or implementation of complex engineering systems or applications.
• At least 5 years of experience managing technical projects, including schedules, budgets, resources, and technical deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary engineering teams and align team members toward common technical and program objectives.
• Experience interacting directly with customers and developing technical relationships centered on technical requirements and mission objectives.
• Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines, including electronics, mechanical, software, and systems engineering.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Visio, and Project.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement solutions to complex technical problems.
• Experience supporting technical proposals, including development of technical approaches, estimates, or other proposal content.
• Advanced knowledge of systems engineering principles, system architecture, requirements development, integration, verification, and validation.
• Ability to maintain a system-level perspective while coordinating complex technical activities across multiple disciplines.
• Strong technical project management skills, including the ability to manage schedules, budgets, resources, risks, and deliverables.
• Advanced technical problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to identify, evaluate, and lead resolution of complex technical issues.
• Strong understanding of system integration, interface management, and technical requirements.
• Ability to translate customer requirements into clear technical specifications and actionable engineering objectives.
• Strong customer-facing communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to engineering team members.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams toward common technical and program objectives.
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail while maintaining awareness of overall program objectives.
• Ability to develop practical, innovative solutions to complex engineering problems.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong professional judgment, accountability, and commitment to technical quality and integrity.
• U.S. Person under ITAR requirements required.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with AS9100 quality standards and processes.
• Experience in aerospace or defense product development.
• Experience leading system-level integration, testing, and validation activities.
• Experience with third-party environmental testing and customer acceptance activities.
• Experience with formal engineering design reviews and technical program reviews.
• Experience with system architecture development and requirements management.
• Experience supporting proposal development and technical estimating.
• Experience developing innovative technical solutions for complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Interface with customers, Development Teams, and Program Managers to establish program requirements, system specifications, system architecture, technical deliverables, and program objectives.
• Plan, coordinate, and monitor the technical performance of Company programs.
• Lead system architecture and develop system specifications based on customer requirements.
• Develop system-level test plans and test procedures based on program requirements.
• Analyze requirements for compliance when direct testing is not practical.
• Maintain a high-level view of system objectives and ensure system elements integrate successfully to satisfy customer requirements.
• Ensure effective integration of internal subsystems and customer system interfaces.
• Orchestrate system designs, prototype builds, system integration and testing, third-party environmental testing, final acceptance validation, and project documentation.
• Demonstrate ability to lead hands-on integration and troubleshooting, interpret measurements and analyses, and determine the technical adequacy of verification results.
• Ensure adherence to program requirements, system specifications, and established quality standards.
• Identify technical program problems and lead Development Teams in developing and implementing effective solutions.
• Work closely with the Systems Engineering Manager and/or Director of Engineering to ensure program system designs meet established requirements and architectures.
• Work with Program Management to support programs remaining on schedule and within established budgets through effective coordination and communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Take ownership of engineering processes and serve as a principal quality liaison.
• Provide technical mentorship, guidance, and expertise to systems engineers and other engineering team members.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative solutions to complex technical problems in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Support proposal development by providing technical details, execution approaches, schedules, and cost estimates based on prior program experience.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of relevant systems engineering tools, technologies, and industry practices.
• Support technical and business objectives by identifying opportunities for process, product, and program improvements.
• Perform other related duties and activities as assigned.

Benefits

• Flexible education benefits
• 12 paid holidays per year
• 401(k) retirement plan offered after eligibility
• Paid Time Off (vacation and personal) accrues at the rate of 80 hours per year
• Five (5) sick days per year
• Long Term Disability – paid by employer after eligibility
• Life Insurance – paid by employer after eligibility.
• Supplemental Life Insurance – offered after eligibility
• Dental care – group plan offered after eligibility
• Vision care – group plan offered after eligibility
• Health care – 80% of the premium HMO plan allowed towards plan of your choosing (after eligibility)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) offered after eligibility
• Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on company performance and the achievement of revenue goals.

What This Job Offers

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