Principal HWIL Systems Architect & Lead

DESE Research, Inc.; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible work schedules

Education reimbursement

401k profit sharing

Job summary

DESE Research, Inc. in Huntsville, AL, seeks a Principal HWIL Systems Architect & Lead to guide a multidisciplinary team through the design, integration, and qualification of real-time HWIL lab environments.

This role drives system-of-systems analysis and ensures interfaces meet mission requirements. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in systems engineering, active security clearance, and experience with HWIL verification campaigns or real-time simulators like dSPACE or NI chassis, plus

Qualifications

• Active US Secret clearance or ability to obtain one.
• Bachelor's Degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years in systems engineering including test, architecture, and interface development and definition.
• Experience leading HWIL verification campaigns and managing physical interface boundaries OR experience architecting real-time simulation targets like dSPACE or NI chassis.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations related to defense real-time systems.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with system requirements and specifications of the real-time HWIL simulator infrastructure.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate tactical flight computers into the test environment.
• Define and document the laboratory's distributed computing architecture, RTOS parameters, and network constraints.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations, and testing guidelines.
• Support test plans and procedure development to verify functionality and performance of the target hardware.
• Troubleshoot timing discrepancies during development and testing phases.

Skills

Security clearance

HWIL leadership

Real-time design

Systems integration

Regulatory familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, CS, math, physics, or related field

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Cameo

OSF

Job description

DESE Research is seeking a Principal HWIL Systems Architect & Lead to work closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers to ensure the successful design, system integration, and qualification of real-time HWIL laboratory environments.

Position is contingent upon contract award.

The successful candidate will:

• Apply an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to plan, design, develop and verify complex lifecycle-balanced system-of-systems and system solutions.
• Evaluate customer/operational needs to define and coordinate system performance requirements, integrate technical parameters and assure compatibility of all physical, functional, and program interfaces.
• Perform various analyses to optimize total system-of-systems and/or system architecture.
• Perform analyses for affordability, safety, reliability, maintainability, testability, human systems integration, survivability, vulnerability, susceptibility, system security, regulatory, certification, product assurance, and other specialties that factor into a preferred configuration to ensure mission success.

Position Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with system requirements and specifications of the design and development of the real-time HWIL simulator infrastructure.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including electrical, modeling, and software engineers, to integrate tactical flight computers into the overall test environment.
• Define and document the laboratory's distributed computing architecture, real-time operating system parameters, and network constraints.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations, and testing guidelines in the design, setup, and sustainment of the simulation environment.
• Support test plans and procedure development to verify the functionality and performance of the target hardware under test.
• Support the troubleshooting and resolution of any technical issues or anomalies related to simulation drops or timing discrepancies during development and testing phases.

Required Qualifications:

• Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (or the ability to obtain one).
• Bachelor's Degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or a related discipline
• Experience leading Hardware-In-The-Loop (HWIL) verification campaigns and managing physical interface boundaries AND/OR Experience architecting real-time simulation targets like dSPACE or National Instruments chassis.
• Systems engineering experience (10+ years) including test, architecture, and interface development and definition and requirement derivation.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations related to defense real-time systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in design and development of missile defense test benches or similar closed-loop radar/seeker labs.
• Knowledge of distributed test setups such as the Objective Simulation Framework (OSF).
• Proficiency in using engineering software tools for modeling, simulation, and analysis (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Cameo, Real-Time OS configurations).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex multi-threaded systems and troubleshoot technical issues.

About DESE

For the past 46 years, DESE has provided industry-leading technical and engineering solutions in the fields of Defense, Energy, Space, and Environment. As a small, family-oriented business, DESE provides a compelling benefits package including a generous profit-sharing plan, competitive salaries, and perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals leveraging cutting-edge technologies to solve complex and engaging problems.

Why employees love working for DESE:

At DESE, we are committed to creating a company that is known for its respect and care for employees. We understand that happy employees are what keeps our business going and we strive to provide the best opportunities for each individual working on our team! Here are a few reasons you will love working here:

• Competitive health, dental and vision insurance with affordable premiums
• Flexible work schedules
• Two different flexible spending account options
• Company paid life insurance with options for employee paid additional
• Performance bonus program
• Education reimbursement program
• Company paid personal leave for approved philanthropic activities
• Vacation, Sick & Holiday leave
• Robust 401k profit sharing plan
• Opportunities for internal promotions
• Employee referral incentive program
• Rewards and gifts for service anniversaries

Disability Accommodation for Applicants - DESE Research, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in its job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the following alternative email address or phone number to contact us about your interest in employment with us: [e-mail] or 256-837-8004x123.