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Senior Principal Space Systems Engineer

General Dynamics Mission Systems

Scottsdale, AZ · Posted November 3, 2026

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About the job

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates must be able to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense TS/SCI security clearance within a reasonable amount of time from date of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position

Key Responsibilities:

GDMS Systems Engineers analyze, design, develop and test GDMS systems to ensure the integration of software, hardware, reliability, maintainability, safety and other requirements in the total engineering effort. Responsibilities include formulating operational concepts; performing mission, functional, cost-benefit and risk analysis; developing signal processing architecture and overall system architecture; preparing specifications; developing requirements; and supporting integration and verification.

Our systems typically include digital signal processing algorithms that are implemented in hardware and software for space-based systems. In addition to the general systems engineering qualification stated above, highly qualified candidates have work experience with digital signal processing algorithm development for the statistical analysis of signal parameter measurements utilizing techniques from Detection & Estimation Theory, Random Processes Analysis, and Communications and Information Theory.

Additional Responsibilities, Knowledge, and Skills:

Leads requirements analysis, requirements definition, requirements management, functional analysis, performance analysis, system design, detail trade studies, systems integration and test (verification), validation and interface definition studies of system, subsystem or system elements with little or no supervision

Leads Modeling and Simulation activities

Leads technical planning, cost and risk analysis

Leads technical tasks for large teams or projects

Leads small technical proposals and contributes to medium sized proposals

Exercise creative thinking and ideation to advance our business performance

Deliver innovative, flexible, integrated solutions to meet customers’ changing business needs

Support and engage in programs, projects, and practices behind the GDMS culture and strategy, and comply with all policies and procedures

Follow industry and department trends and developments to ensure GDMS services are consistent with, and/or superior to, industry best practices

PREFERRED DEGREE TYPES AND EXPERIENCE:

Electrical Engineering and/or Systems Engineering, particularly with digital signal processing focus

Experience in SIGINT and Space Payloads

Our Commitment to You:

An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.

Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security

Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)

Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more

See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options: This position is fully onsite.While on-site, you will be a part of the Scottsdale, AZ location

Salary Note This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Combined Salary Range USD $183,371.00 - USD $203,428.00 /Yr.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans