
Principal Systems Engineer
Jobs via Dice · Plano, TX
- On site
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- Plano, TX
Job highlights
- Lead systems engineering for ISR and aviation projects.
- Master requirements, integration, V&V, and MBSE.
- Guide strategic analysis and risk management.
- Manage project components and influence direction.
- Mentor senior engineers and drive innovation.
About the role
Principal Systems Engineer
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 united and sustain our way of living. Join our team!
About the Role
As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will demonstrate mastery in requirements engineering, systems integration, Verification & Validation (V&V), and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). You will guide strategic system and decision analysis, technical planning, and risk management initiatives. You will manage critical project components, applying extensive expertise in architecture/design development, technical monitoring, and lifecycle management. Your role requires exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills to drive innovation, mentor senior engineers, and achieve strategic objectives.
Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate mastery in requirements engineering, systems integration, V&V, and MBSE.
- Guide strategic system and decision analysis, technical planning, and risk management initiatives.
- Manage critical project components and influence project direction.
- Apply extensive expertise in architecture/design development, technical monitoring, and lifecycle management.
- Exhibit exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Mentor senior engineers and drive innovation.
Qualifications You Must Have:
- Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
- 14+ years of experience in systems engineering or related field.
- Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
- Expert proficiency with Systems modeling and simulation tools.
- Extensive leadership experience in systems engineering.
- Demonstrated knowledge of multiple Engineering principles and practices.
- Progressive experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams.
- Advanced understanding of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation; systems design, systems integration, technical risk identification and management strategies, and V&V principles.
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.
- 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.
Compensation and Benefits:
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.
Security Clearance Requirements:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This position requires current/active 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.
About SNC:
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.
Key skills/competency:
- Systems Engineering
- Requirements Engineering
- Systems Integration
- Verification and Validation (V&V)
- Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
- Architecture Design
- Lifecycle Management
- Technical Planning
- Risk Management
- Leadership
Skills & topics
- Systems Engineer
- Principal Engineer
- ISR
- Aviation
- Security
- C4ISR
- SAOC
- MBSE
- V&V
- Systems Integration
- Requirements Engineering
- Aerospace
- Defense
- Leadership
- Systems Modeling
- Simulation Tools
- DOORS
- Cameo
- MATLAB
- AI
- Machine Learning
- Cloud Computing
- Real-time Operating Systems
- Embedded Systems
- INCOSE
- CSEP
- Technical Performance Measurements
- TPM
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight systems engineering, V&V, MBSE, and leadership experience, aligning with SNC's SAOC mission.
- Showcase advanced skills: Emphasize expertise in modeling tools, AI, machine learning, and aerospace/defense background.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss requirements management, systems design, integration, and risk strategies.
- Demonstrate leadership: Provide examples of mentoring engineers and influencing project direction in past roles.
- Research SNC: Understand their role in national security, innovation, and their commitment to the SAOC mission.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary focus of the Principal Systems Engineer role at SNC?
- The Principal Systems Engineer at SNC will focus on leading and mastering requirements engineering, systems integration, Verification & Validation (V&V), and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) for ISR and aviation systems, particularly for the SAOC mission.
- What are the minimum qualifications for a Principal Systems Engineer at SNC?
- A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field and 14+ years of systems engineering experience are required. Expert proficiency in systems modeling and simulation tools and extensive leadership experience are also essential.
- Does SNC prefer candidates with specific industry experience for this role?
- Yes, SNC prefers candidates with a background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry. Experience in complex development settings and leading baseline definition is highly valued.
- What advanced technologies are relevant for this Principal Systems Engineer position?
- Expertise in advanced systems technologies such as AI, machine learning, and cloud computing is preferred. Familiarity with real-time operating systems and embedded systems is also beneficial.
- What is required regarding security clearance for this Principal Systems Engineer job?
- This position requires a current/active Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship is mandatory as eligibility for a security clearance is a requirement for employment.
- What kind of leadership responsibilities does the Principal Systems Engineer have?
- The Principal Systems Engineer is expected to exhibit exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, mentor senior engineers, and drive innovation within the team.
- What are the preferred qualifications for the Principal Systems Engineer role?
- Preferred qualifications include expertise in advanced systems technologies, familiarity with real-time/embedded systems, experience with tools like DOORS and Cameo, advanced knowledge of mechanical design principles, INCOSE certification, Agile methodologies, and Scrum Master certification.
- What is the work environment like for a Principal Systems Engineer at SNC?
- The role involves working on a computer for extended periods, requiring hand/finger dexterity for system modeling and documentation. It's a hybrid environment with occasional travel required.