Principal Systems EngineerARKA Group L.P. ("ARKA") is an advanced technologies company serving the U.S. military, intelligence community, and commercial space industry delivering next-generation solutions to support the national security space enterprise. Built on more than six decades of excellence, ARKA brings modern approaches and a culture of innovation to the challenges of today. Join the ARKA team to learn how Beyond Begins Here.
Discover your next career opportunity now!Position Overview: As a Principal Systems Engineer you will work in a team-based environment to develop Electro-Optical (EO) systems that operate in space environments. You will be expected to work in a technical leadership position managing requirements, providing technical oversight for internal and subcontracted designs, and formal verification of systems and/or subassemblies. Principal Systems Engineers must possess skills in requirements management, system integration, requirements verification, supplier management, qualification and acceptance testing, prepare and present technical material for customer reviews, and author contract documents.Responsibilities:Work with the technical team to establish robust and executable program plans including the identification of tasks, trade studies, modelling and analyses, and risk and opportunity identification and managementReview and assess customer requirements and provide proper requirements management including validation, decomposition, and flow down, specification development, interface control/protocol definition, and technical budgetingDevelop and guide verification including requirements verification matrix development, verification plans, test requirements, and preparation of sell-off materials to demonstrate complianceEvaluate the work and results from the technical team and provide feedback and directionCommunicate and collaborate with the program office, functional management, and technical team members to ensure proper program execution and early issue and risk identificationDocument statement of work (SOW) and performance specifications for subcontracted itemsRequired Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, physics, or related field. Advanced degree preferred10+ years of relevant work experience such as systems engineering of complex systems throughout the product lifecycleFamiliarity with electro-optical (EO) space, airborne, and terrestrial systemsExperience developing, integrating, and verifying digital control systems employing FPGAs and/or embedded processorsFamiliarity with analog electrical designs including power supplies, board layout and artwork, EMI/EMC management, and cable harnessesFamiliarity with electrical considerations for thermal vacuum space environmentsFamiliarity with precision feedback systems such as LVDT, RVDTs, and strain gaugesFamiliarity with aerospace protocols such as MIL-STD-1553, RS-422, Ethernet, and SpaceWireCreating and maintaining electrical interface control documentationCreating and maintaining FPGA and software interface control documentationTroubleshooting and root cause analysisWriting requirements specifications, verification matrices, verification plans, and verification reportsDecomposition of complex systems into logical building blocks and the ability to develop the requisite error budgets and requirements traceabilityRequirements management using IBM Rational DOORS or other requirements management systemsFamiliarity with Model Base Systems Engineering (MBSE)Evaluation and definition of the optical, mechanical, electrical, and environmental inputs into a system and their influence on overall requirements complianceConcept of operations (CONOPS) developmentProgram planning including scope definition and task estimationTechnical leadership of cross-functional/discipline teamsProficient written communication skills including technical writingProficient verbal skills including technical presentations with the ability and technical confidence to brief a variety of internal and external customersPreferred Qualifications:Development and verification of space-based electronicsFamiliarity with optical systems for visible through long wave infrared applications for both imaging and non-imaging systemsControl theory with open and closed-loop feedbackFirmware and software development (e.g., VHDL, C, C++, Python, MatLab)Use and development of analytical tools such as MatLab for modeling and analysis for system development, evaluation, and verificationParts, materials, and processes for space environmentsModeling and analysis of EO/IR systemsLocation: Danbury, CTWhat We Offer:Comprehensive medical/vision/dental insurance packagesCompany contributions to qualified HSA accounts401k retirement plan with industry leading company contributions3 weeks of vacation accrual per year plus time off for sick leave and unscheduled life events13 paid holidaysUpfront tuition assistance for approved degree programsAnnual bonus program based on company and employee performanceCompany paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance4 weeks paid Parental LeaveEmployee assistance program (EAP)EHS/Environmental Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions, occasionally operate tools and/or machinery with hands and arms and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. The employee will use protective equipment when working with chemicals, move between workstations, reach, and replace equipment, and move items weighing up to 25 lbs.
(site specific: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.Applicants are invited to apply for a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job. To apply, send a request to or contact and press 2 for Human Resources.ITC & Security Clearance Requirements: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance.Visa Restrictions: No visa sponsorship is available for this position.Pre-employment Screenings: Employment with any ARKA companies in the U.S. is contingent upon satisfactory completion of several pre-employment requirements to include a credit check, background check, and drug screen.Possible is discovered by those who go beyond. At ARKA, we're there every day with technology grounded in reality but reaching beyond the sandbox where ideas take off.
Others think outside the box. We think beyond the globe. We push the mission beyond the screen, engineering beyond the ordinary. We bring technology and expertise together for solutions that define the new beyond in every space. Beyond Begins Here.