Principal Engineer

Basic Commerce & Industries Inc; Dahlgren (VA); On-site; Part time

Job summary

A defense contracting corporation is seeking a Principal Engineer to provide senior-level systems engineering and analysis support to various military and governmental customers. Candidates must have extensive experience in US Navy surface warfare and specific expertise with programs such as Aegis Combat Systems. This role requires strong communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work on multiple projects under tight deadlines. Applicants must be US citizens and can expect minimal travel requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 25-30 years US Navy surface warfare experience or a mix of US Navy and civil service/industry experience.
• Experience with Aegis Combat Systems and related programs.
• Ability to interface at the flag/O-6 level.

Responsibilities

• Provide review and recommendations on combat systems integration.
• Engage in strategic planning.
• Support NSWCDD program managers with product/task definition.
• Provide engineering expertise in studies and analytical evaluations.

Skills

US Navy surface warfare experience

Advanced writing and speaking abilities

Microsoft Office Suite proficiency

Strong interpersonal skills

Education

Formal degree in systems engineering or software engineering

Job description

Basic Commerce and Industries, Inc. (BCI) is seeking to fill Principal Engineer positions in support of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Integrated Combat Systems Department (V), Electromagnetic and Sensor Systems Department (B), and other customers within NSWCDD and their tenant organizations. Principal Engineers are oftentimes sought out by BCI to serve as Subject Matter Experts in their field on a part-time or as needed basis. BCI's areas of expertise include Human Systems Integration/Human Factors Engineering, Interoperability, Training, Operational Systems Safety, and Weapon & Combat Systems Engineering. BCI's work force of employees and consultants includes human factors engineers, operational engineers and former naval officers and enlisted subject matter experts.

Job Location: Dahlgren, VA

Telework: Minimal with Task Leader Authorization; these are not remote positions

Job Start Date: Winter/ Spring 2026

Shift: Days~ 0800-1600

Experience Required

Successful candidates must have a minimum of 25-30 years US Navy surface warfare experience gained while on active duty senior enlisted or officer serving on carriers, DDGs, CGs, LCS, large deck or smaller amphibious ships, or land based test sites, etc. OR 25-30 years combination US Navy, civil service, or industry experience. Required specialized experience is required in such programs as Aegis Combat and Weapon Systems, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (ABMD), Ship Self Defense System (SSDS), Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), NIFC-CA, DDG-1000, Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) or US Coast Guard. Advanced writing and speaking abilities a must. Two (2) years' experience with Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required. Ability to interface at the flag/O-6 level is a must. A formal degree supporting systems engineering, software engineering or significant analysis experience is a plus and could be a requirement for some positions.

Description of Duties

These billets are anticipated to provide senior level systems engineering, analysis and program level support to multiple customers within NSWCDD, and potentially NAVSEA, NAVAIR, ONR, various Navy PEOs, etc. Duties for these positions may include:

• Providing review and recommendations on combat systems integration technical issues including red teams and failure review boards.
• Strategic planning.
• Providing SME support to NSWCDD programs managers in the area of product and task definition, review of products, and other task tracking and program support.
• Providing engineering expertise in the conduct of conceptual studies, AoAs and other major analytical studies.

Must have excellent organizational skills and be able to perform efficiently and effectively on multiple projects under tight deadlines. Must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with the BCI team and customers.

Minimal travel may be required.

Applicants must be US citizens. Applicants will be subjected to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled