Senior Principal Space Systems Engineer
General Dynamics Mission Systems
Scottsdale, AZ · Posted November 3, 2026
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Where Scottsdale, AZ ranks
Where Scottsdale, AZ placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #3Best all-round cities for new graduates in the Southwest59 / 100 · of 15
- #4Cities with the most hybrid jobs in the Southwest16% · of 43
- #7Cities hosting the most business conferences in the Southwest13 conferences · of 16
- #8Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills in the Southwest7% · of 39
- #8Best all-round cities for AI careers in the Southwest44 / 100 · of 15
- #9Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the Southwest81 jobs · of 38
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among aerospace engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for aerospace engineers: 8% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
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