Principal Systems Engineer – Space ElectronicsLocation: Fairfax, Virginia (Primary) – Open to CO / NHJob Type: Full-Time Positions: 1 Experience Required: 9 – 15 YearsWork Environment• Hybrid: 4 days/week onsite • High-security, mission-critical engineering environment • Cross-functional collaboration across engineering domainsWe are seeking a highly accomplished Principal Systems Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced space-based electronic systems and payloads. This role requires deep expertise in space electronics, systems engineering lifecycle (requirements ? V&V), and multidisciplinary leadership.
The candidate will drive end-to-end system development while leading cross-functional teams across electrical, software, FPGA, and mechanical domains. This is a high-impact leadership role supporting mission-critical programs for DoD, Intelligence Community, and space agencies.Key ResponsibilitiesSystems Engineering Leadership• Lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in space electronics product development • Own full systems engineering lifecycle (requirements, design, trade studies, V&V) • Define system architecture for RF, processing, networking, and embedded systems • Act as primary technical authority for assigned programsTechnical Execution• Drive development of space-based electronics subsystems and payloads • Work across PCBAs, FPGA firmware, mission software, and embedded systems • Perform system-level analysis, integration, and validation • Ensure compliance with high-reliability and space-environment standardsProgram & Stakeholder Management• Partner with program managers on cost, schedule, and execution • Present at technical design reviews (internal + client-facing) • Support proposal development and new business capture • Contribute to R&D and product roadmap strategyMust-Have Qualifications (Strict)• Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Engineering/Science/Technology/Mathematics) • 9+ years of relevant experience • Hands-on experience with space industry product development lifecycle (requirements ? V&V) • Proven experience building space-based electronics subsystems or payloads (MANDATORY) • Experience with complex electronics (PCBAs, FPGA firmware, mission software) • Background in high-reliability / space-environment system design • Proven experience leading engineering teams (not just individual contributor) • Strong systems engineering methodology expertisePreferred Qualifications (Strong Differentiators)• Master's Degree in STEM • Experience with radiation-hardened / radiation-tolerant electronics • Familiarity with Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ / Versal architectures • Knowledge of VPX (VITA 46 / VITA 65) standards • Hands-on experience in PCB design, schematic capture, signal integrity • Tools: MATLAB, Simulink, Altium, MBSE platforms • Background in RF signal processingAdditional Requirements• Must be a U.S.
Citizen (Mandatory) • Must be willing to work from VA / CO / NH locations • Ability to travel or support onsite program needs
Principal Systems Engineer – Space Electronics in fairfax at Unknown Company
This position is listed as full time and hybrid.