Principal Systems Engineer - SIL

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we’re applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC-led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next-generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you’re passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here .

Are you a bold thinker? We dream big at SNC—advocating the exploration of space, keeping service members safe, and creating the systems that keep our world connected and thriving. Join our team! As a Systems Engineer, you will apply broad expertise across requirements development, system architecture, integration, and Verification & Validation (V&V). You will support the design, execution, and analysis of testing within our Systems Integration Lab (SIL), ensuring that hardware, software, and interface components integrate seamlessly and meet performance expectations. Your role includes developing and managing test requirements, evaluating component pedigree and configuration effectivities, and ensuring system baselines remain coherent and traceable throughout the lifecycle. You will engage in technical planning, risk management, and integration activities, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure system readiness and mission success. Strong leadership, communication, and coordination skills are essential, enabling you to drive innovation, mentor fellow engineers, and uphold the highest standards of engineering excellence.

Responsibilities:

Lead multidisciplinary systems engineering activities across IPTs and organizational boundaries.

Plan and coordinate systems design and requirement development from early PDR through CDR, followed by test and verification activities.

Work effectively with incomplete or evolving requirements, establishing structure and technical direction.

Own cross IPT requirements integration, ensuring completeness, consistency, traceability, verifiability, and correct allocation to systems and subsystems.

Drive systems engineering planning and execution across internal engineering teams, external organizations, and subcontractors.

Develop and maintain systems architectures and technical baselines, including change and configuration control.

Develop Statements of Work and technical requirements for subcontractors.

Create and manage CDRLs and develop technical data deliverables.

Translate program level objectives into executable technical plans and engineering activities.

Facilitate technical reviews, working groups, and formal engineering reviews.

Transform system designs and requirements into an operational lab environment, including test design, integration readiness, and verification methods.

Operate as the technical integration lead with hands on integration of complex hardware, software, networks, communications, and test systems within the SIL.

Troubleshoot and resolve system level integration issues, coordinate root cause analysis, and drive corrective actions.

Mentor engineers, foster innovation, and uphold engineering excellence.

Qualifications You Must Have:

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field, Master’s degree preferred.

14 or more years of experience in systems engineering or related field, with extensive leadership experience.

Demonstrated knowledge of multiple engineering principles and practices, and progressive experience in multi disciplinary design and development teams.

Advanced understanding of requirements management and allocation, systems design and integration, technical risk identification and mitigation strategies, and V and V principles.

Strong communication, collaboration, and coordination skills, with proven experience leading across IPTs and external stakeholders.

Ability to work primarily on site in a lab environment with occasional travel.

Qualifications We Prefer:

Expertise in advanced systems technologies (e.g., AI, machine learning, cloud computing).

Familiar with real-time operating systems and embedded systems.

Experience with requirements management and system modelling tools, such as DOORS, Cameo, MATLAB.

Expert proficiency with Systems modeling and simulation tools.

Advanced Knowledge of industry-standard mechanical design principles, to include, but not limited to requirements management, MBSE.

Experience or certification in International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) standards [Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)].

Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry.

Progressive experience leading baseline definition and maturation in a complex development setting, including the use of high impact trade studies.

Ability to establish and track key Technical Performance Measurements (TPM).

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Agile methodologies and Scrum Master certification.

Essential Functions:

Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.

Hand/finger dexterity for system modeling and documentation.

Ability to work in a hybrid environment with occasional travel.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more .

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use. Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.