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 .

Are you a Systems Engineer interested in working on one of the largest and most complex airborne systems ever built? Sierra Nevada Corporation is expanding in the Plano, TX area and building our Systems Engineering capability from the ground up as part of an ambitious program to modernize the U.S. Air Force’s critical airborne command-and-control fleet, advanced IRAD efforts supporting SNC and their customers. We need you!
We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Principal Systems Engineer to join our advanced Systems Engineering team. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the design, development, and integration of complex systems, ensuring they meet both technical and business requirements. This role involves providing technical leadership, mentoring junior engineers, and driving innovation in Systems Engineering practices.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Bachelor's of Science degree in System Engineering or related discipline and typically 14 or more years of relevant experience
• Higher education may substitute for relevant experience
• Advanced knowledge of Systems Engineering principles and practices
• Progressive experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams
• Thorough understanding of requirements management, derivation, and allocation; system design, system integration, technical risk identification and management strategies, and holistic Verification and Validation (V&V) principles
• Demonstrated experience with fast-paced Internal Research and Development (IRAD) projects, including leading the design, integration, and rapid prototyping of innovative system solutions in collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams spanning hardware, software, and cybersecurity domains
• Experience in Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) systems or similar projects, with a focus on applying systems engineering methodologies to ensure robust cyber-resilient architectures, secure software development practices, and compliance with stringent operational and security requirements
• Applied expertise in low-latency, high-reliability communications protocols to enhance IRAD projects targeting NC3 network improvements, including implementing secure software interfaces, optimizing data flow for mission-critical applications, and integrating advanced cyber defense measures within system and software architectures
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Demonstrated capability in requirements management and system modelling tools, such as DOORS, Rhapsody, NoMagic, MATLAB
• Advanced knowledge of industry standard mechanical design principles, to include, but not limited to requirements management, Model Based System Engineering (MBSE)
• Experience or certification in INCOSE standards
• Conducted threat assessments and incorporated nuclear surety and cybersecurity best practices into experimental NC3 system designs.
• Supported the rapid transition of IRAD-developed prototypes into NC3 acquisition programs, ensuring alignment with mission assurance requirements.
• Developed and executed test plans for IRAD prototypes in simulated nuclear operations environments, supporting system validation under mission-like conditions.
• Progressive experience leading baseline definition and maturation in a complex development setting, including the use of high impact trade studies and other measures
• Advanced experience with establishing and tracking key Technical Performance Measurements (TPM)

At Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) we deliver customer-focused technology and best-of-breed integrations in the aerospace and defense sectors. SNC has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America’s fastest-growing companies.

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 .

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.

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.