Principal Systems Engineer

Thisiscny; City of Syracuse (NY); Hybrid; USD 162,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Parental leave

401(k) with employer contributions

Stock options

Job summary

Hidden Level is expanding its Syracuse, NY office and seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to shape technology strategy and lead product development from concept to deployment. You will supervise cross-disciplinary teams, guide sensor system design, and drive customer integration across defense and commercial applications.

The role emphasizes ownership of projects, proactive problem solving, and clear communication with stakeholders, with hybrid work options and a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years of professional experience.
• Expert knowledge of RF sensing technology including radar and/or communication systems.
• Experience with state estimation, data fusion, and Kalman filtering in tracking algorithms.
• Proficiency with MATLAB or Python for modeling and analysis.
• Willingness to travel 10%.
• Active U.S. security clearance (Secret or above) preferred; ability to obtain/maintain clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement algorithms and analysis tools for radar, direction finding, or other sensor systems.
• Lead system architecture development for new hardware designs.
• Collaborate with leadership and engineering teams to advance product capabilities.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to engineering staff.
• Serve as technical point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

RF sensing

Signal processing

Matlab/Python

System architecture

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

SDR hardware

Job description

Principal Systems Engineer

At Hidden Level, we’re building the future of airspace awareness through cutting-edge RF sensing technology. Our mission is to make the world safer—whether it’s protecting troops, securing infrastructure, or enabling smarter cities. We design, manufacture, and deploy advanced sensor systems that deliver real-time insights for defense and commercial applications.

Position Overview:

As we expand, we're looking for a Principal Systems Engineer who will apply their skills to help shape overall company technology strategy, lead internal product development and support customer integration and adoption activities. This will be achieved through the analysis and support of sensor systems at each stage in the product lifecycle from conceptualization to deployment and maintenance.

Location:

This position is located in the Syracuse, NY office with the potential for hybrid arrangements.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implementation of algorithms and analysis methods and tools for radar, direction finding, or other surveillance sensor systems without technical oversight
• Lead the development of system architecture for new hardware designs
• Collaborate with corporate leadership and all other engineering departments to advance overall product capabilities
• Provide professional mentorship and technical guidance to engineering teams
• Act as a technical point of contact and subject matter expert for internal and external stakeholders

What We’re Looking For:

• An ability and a desire to own project assignments and work creatively and collaboratively on cross-disciplinary teams to deliver solutions that impress our customers and move our industry forward
• An open-minded approach to solving challenges, and proactive development of backup plans to ensure the team can hit the mark even when encountering the unexpected
• A mindset trained on long-term goals and objectives, balanced with making demonstratable incremental steps along the way to meet the pace of our industry
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to efficiently convey complex ideas, coupled with an ability to listen, question, and understand stakeholder needs

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field
• 15+ years of professional experience
• Expert knowledge of RF sensing technology:
  • Radar and/or communication systems using software-defined radios, custom hardware, and/or other COTS devices
  • State estimation, data fusion, and Kalman filtering techniques and their implementation in tracking algorithms
  • Sensor performance modeling and simulation using analytical programming platforms such as MATLAB or Python
  • Digital signal processing techniques, capabilities, and limitations
• Ability to travel 10%
• Active U.S. security clearance (Secret or above) preferred; ability to obtain and maintain a clearance required.

This position is located in the Syracuse, NY office with the potential for hybrid arrangements.

Compensation and Benefits:

Hidden Level offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid parental leave, flexible time off, 401(k) with employer contributions, life insurance, disability insurance, and potential stock options.

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is estimated at $162,000 to $210,000 annually. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Hidden Level considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Hidden Level is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Security Note:

Due to the nature of Hidden Level’s technology, only U.S. citizens can be considered for this position.