Principal Systems Engineer – Space & Defense Electronics
Location: Concord, NH or Fairfax, VA, Littleton, CO (Onsite)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Senior Principal Systems Engineer
About This Opportunity
Our firm has been retained to identify a highly accomplished Principal Systems Engineer for a premier organization developing advanced space and defense electronic systems. This company partners with the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and civil space agencies to deliver mission-critical technologies that operate in the most demanding environments.
The organization is known for its engineering rigor, collaborative culture, and commitment to innovation. Through disciplined systems engineering and integrated product development, they design and deliver high-performance, radiation-tolerant solutions that support next-generation space missions.
Position Summary
We are seeking a talented, self-driven, and technically exceptional Principal Systems Engineer to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in the development of complex electronic systems for space applications.
This individual will provide systems engineering leadership across R&D and product development programs, play a key role in shaping technology and product roadmaps, and contribute to high-impact strategic business opportunities.
The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership and communication skills. They will work closely with program managers and project engineers to ensure successful execution, guiding teams to solve complex problems through a holistic systems engineering approach.
This role requires both technical depth—to perform detailed analyses—and technical breadth—to navigate cross-disciplinary challenges spanning mechanical, electrical, software, and firmware domains. The successful candidate will be able to operate autonomously, exercise expert engineering judgment, and drive results aligned with organizational objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Lead diverse engineering teams in the design and development of advanced multi-function RF, processing, networking, and data storage systems for space applications
Own and oversee the systems engineering process for assigned programs, ensuring proper analysis, trade studies, technical baseline management, and verification/validation activities
Partner with program management to support planning and execution within cost and schedule constraints
Serve as the primary technical representative and point of contact for assigned programs
Prepare for and present at major design reviews, including internal leadership and external customer engagements
Provide technical expertise in planning for internal R&D initiatives and new product development
Support proposal development and new business capture efforts
Travel or work on-site as needed to support program objectives
Perform additional duties as required to support organizational goals
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics)
9+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or 7+ years with a Master’s degree
Demonstrated experience as a technical project lead
Recognized expertise in one or more engineering or scientific disciplines
Ability to work effectively across multiple technical domains and engineering disciplines
Strong proficiency in applying systems engineering methodologies to product design and development
Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through the development of complex electronic systems
Track record of balancing technical performance objectives with program cost and schedule requirements
Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills
Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee status)
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a STEM field
Experience with space industry product development life cycles
Background in high-reliability, high-survivability, or space-environment product design
Experience with complex electronics at low levels of integration (PCBAs, mission software, FPGA firmware, etc.)
Familiarity with Xilinx devices, including Zynq UltraScale+ or Versal architectures
Knowledge of VPX standards (VITA 46 and VITA 65) and embedded hardware implementations
Hands-on experience in electronics design, including schematic capture, PCB layout, signal integrity analysis, and mixed-signal design
Experience with signal processing and algorithm development
Proficiency with engineering tools such as PSpice, LTspice, Altium, SOLIDWORKS, Keysight ADS, MATLAB/Simulink, or MBSE platforms
Knowledge of networking protocols and OSI model concepts
Benefits Overview
The organization offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
Basic Life Insurance with AD&D
Short- and Long-Term Disability
Voluntary benefits (life, accident, critical illness, hospital, pet insurance)
Flexible Spending Accounts (HSA, FSA, DCFSA)
Paid Time Off and company holidays
401(k) plan with company match
Tuition reimbursement programs
Parental, maternity, and military leave
Eligibility for annual discretionary bonus