Principal Software Systems Engineer (Contract)

AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.; Herndon (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote opportunities available nationwide

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. is seeking a Principal Software Systems Engineer. This role involves designing and analyzing satellite systems with a focus on flight software delivery. Candidates should have strong aerospace engineering skills and a minimum of 15 years of experience.

The engineer will manage tasks through development lifecycle, support roadmap development, and promote cost savings. The position offers remote opportunities and emphasizes teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years with a bachelor's degree or 12 years with a master's degree.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams to solve aerospace problems.
• Familiarity with space mission architectures beyond satellite platforms.

Responsibilities

• Drive development of satellite systems focused on flight software delivery.
• Perform systems engineering tasks, including requirements management.
• Support spacecraft development product roadmap and customer missions.

Skills

Aerospace software systems

Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Requirements management tools (DOORS)

Cross-functional teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM

Tools

Requirements Verification and Traceability Matrices

Job description

Remote opportunities available nationwide; preferred locations: Arlington VA, Denver CO, Houston TX, Merritt Island FL.

Position Summary

Airbus U.S. is looking for an enthusiastic and creative Principal Software Systems Engineer (Contract) to design and analyze new satellite and aerospace systems. We're looking for candidates who can bring exceptional engineering skills and strong experience in aerospace programs to the team.

Position Responsibilities

The Principal Software Systems Engineer's primary responsibility will be driving the development of Airbus U.S.'s satellite systems with a focus on flight software delivery. This engineer will be involved in the full lifecycle of development, from requirements definition, validation, verification and operations. Being at the cutting edge of space technology, we need someone who is eager to learn, grow, and take on new and potentially unfamiliar challenges. There is no shortage of fascinating problems to solve.

The Principal Software Systems Engineer will provide autonomous solutions of complex problems, through direct work or delegation, under the leadership of the Systems Engineering Manager. The Principal Systems Engineer will have project and subject matter responsibility and authority.

Systems Engineering 75%

• Perform systems engineering tasks for Airbus U.S. satellite software systems, including the heritage Arrow platform:
  • Requirements development - initial definition, decomposition and flow down, management of Software and Avionics Subsystem requirements
  • System design and trade studies - high level concept trades to support subsequent detail design
  • Verification planning and testing - verification matrices, buy-off / sell-off, test planning, analysis planning, etc.
  • Ensure proper Systems Engineering processes are followed including requirements traces / RVTMs
  • Coordinate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that technical requirements are met
  • Flight Software anomaly resolution and troubleshooting
• Demonstrated ability to participate in cross-functional planning, coordination, and task execution situations involving the full spectrum of engineering and integration activities

Roadmap Development 15%

• Support Airbus spacecraft development product roadmap; includes design adjustments, schedule, and cost targets aligned for future business captures
• Support the definition of spacecraft customization process for customer mission needs

Additional Responsibilities 10%

• Perform all the necessary systems engineering activities to build, maintain and evolve the Airbus spacecraft products
• Promote and optimize cost savings by reuse of the heritage platform designs and manufacturing infrastructures in the pursuit of various constellation prospects.

Qualified Experience / Skills / Training

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas
• Preferred: Masters in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years with a bachelor's degree, or 12 years with a master's degree
• Proven track‑record of working with aerospace software systems, starting from conceptual designs and tradeoffs thru detailed design, development, integration, test, deployment, and operations
• Proven track‑record of leading multi‑disciplinary teams to solve problems

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:

• Familiarity with elements of space mission architectures extending beyond the satellite platform - including launch, flight operations, mission CONOPS, user interfaces, etc.
• Experience with systems architecture, requirements definition and decomposition, and requirements verification and validation (e.g. Requirements Verification and Traceability Matrices)
• Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methods
• Experience with requirements management tools (DOORS or similar)
• Experience leading and/or performing analyses for affordability, safety, reliability, maintainability, testability, human systems integration, survivability, vulnerability, susceptibility, system security, regulatory, certification, product assurance or other specialties engineering disciplines
• Communicate in a clear and concise manner effectively across multiple levels
• Be team‑minded and ready to work in a multi‑functional and multi‑cultural, fast‑moving and complex/technical environment
• Flexible attitude and strong initiative
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results

Travel Required

Periodic travel (less than 20%) to Airbus U.S. facilities or partner companies and occasional international travel to collaborate with European Airbus counterparts.

Eligibility

US Citizenship is required.

Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Active DoD security clearance at Secret or above highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

• Vision: able to see and read computer screen and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents
• Hearing: able to hear to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds including safety warnings or alarms
• Equipment Operation: able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment
• Carrying: able to carry documents, electronic equipment and/or supplies up to 40lbs/9kg
• Lifting: able to lift documents, electronic equipment and/or supplies up to 40lbs/9kg
• Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on computer
• Squatting / Kneeling: able to occasionally squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items shelved on bottom shelves
• Standing: able to stand for long periods of time
• Walking: able to walk through office and outside areas including uneven surfaces

Equal Opportunity

Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.