Principal Systems Engineer

Elbit Systems of America; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 work schedule

Competitive 401(k) program

Robust medical, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible Vacation & PTO

Employee Referral Program

Job summary

Elbit Systems of America is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer in Roanoke, Virginia, to lead system-level engineering efforts. The role involves managing requirements, integrating systems, and ensuring product effectiveness throughout all development phases. Candidates should have extensive experience in systems engineering, particularly within the aerospace or defense sectors.

Key benefits include competitive compensation, flexible vacation, and comprehensive medical coverage.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of systems engineering experience in aerospace or defense.
• Ability to obtain a secret clearance is required.
• Proficient communication skills with multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead system-level integration testing across HW, FW, SW, optics.
• Own pre-reliability screening activities for system risks.
• Provide Go/No-Go recommendations at qualification milestones.

Skills

Systems engineering experience

Aerospace or defense industry knowledge

Requirements management

Technical leadership

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Master of Science in Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) with Cameo

VIS-NIR cameras

Electro-Optical imaging systems

Job description

Job Description

Posted Monday, July 6, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Company Information: Elbit America is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, commercial aviation, and medical instrumentation markets. With facilities throughout the United States, Elbit Systems of America is dedicated to supporting those who contribute daily to the safety and security of the United States. Elbit Systems of America, LLC is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications. For additional information, visit ElbitAmerica.com or follow us on YouTube.

Fueled by more than 800 talented employees and a proud 65-year legacy of night vision production excellence, Elbit America’s Warfighter Systems business is rooted in the heart of Virginia’s Roanoke Valley. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find a unique blend of southern hospitality, outdoor adventure, and the energy of a thriving city – all alongside a purpose you can be proud of coming to work each day.

As a world leader in low-light sensor technology, the Warfighter Systems team is engineering the future of image intensifiers and night vision goggle systems as we enter a new era of the networked battlespace. Trusted by the U.S. and nearly 100 allied countries, our technology provides support to those in harm's way during the most critical moments with one goal in mind: bring them home safely.

The work our employees perform each day plays a direct role in national security, and our shared purpose is what truly makes Warfighter Systems so extraordinary. Come join our collaborative team where each voice is valued in a setting where you can thrive, develop, and make a true impact!

Job Summary

The Principal Systems Engineer performs at an advanced level: requirements analysis and management, technical planning, systems level design, systems integration, verification and validation, cost and risk management, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for products in the warfighter systems portfolio. Analyses are performed during all phases of the product development process including concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, and maintenance. The Principal Systems Engineer will provide guidance to the team in the development of warfighter systems electro optical devices.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead system-level hardware and optical bring-up, integration testing, and debug across HW, FW, SW, optics, power, and thermal domains.
• Define and execute system performance qualification plans aligned with product requirements and customer use cases.
• Own pre-reliability screening activities including stress, soak, power-cycle, and thermal-cycle tests to identify early system-level risks.
• Lead system-level pre‑compliance testing including EMI/EMC pre‑scan, SI/PI margin checks, and noise susceptibility.
• Drive root‑cause analysis and corrective actions for qualification issues in partnership with design, test, and reliability teams.
• Own the System Product Qualification (PQ) Plan, execution tracking, and readiness reporting.
• Provide clear, data‑driven Go/No‑Go recommendations at qualification and release milestones.

Business Relationships

• Individual engineers and subsystem‑level subject matter experts within and outside of the project team
• Program Manager

Education

• Bachelor of Science degree in the engineering field
• Preferred – Master of Science in the engineering field

Experience and Skills

• Ability to obtain a secret clearance
• Minimum of 8+ years of systems engineering experience
• Experience working within the aerospace or defense industry, and delivering solutions to the appropriate standards
• Experience with customer discovery/stakeholder needs and requirements
• Experience with requirements management, flows down, verification & validation during the product life cycle
• Excellent communication skills with multi‑disciplinary engineering team and government customers
• Experience with technical leadership of multi‑disciplinary design teams (such as electrical, mechanical, optical, image science, software, firmware, or test engineers)
• Proficient in written (reports, proposals, white papers) and verbal skills (technical presentations)

Preferred Attributes

• Technical skills, including Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) with Cameo
• Experience with VIS‑NIR cameras
• Certified to INCOSE CSEP or ESEP
• Experience with Electro‑Optical imaging systems (cameras), system design, integration, and test
• Experience delivering compliant Electro‑Optical imaging systems to customer requirements

Why Roanoke, Virginia?

• Lower cost of living
• Family‑friendly area
• Career and economic growth
• Scenic beauty

Here Are Some of the Great Benefits We Offer

• Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off
• Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future
• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts
• Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available
• Flexible Vacation & PTO
• Generous Employee Referral Program
• Voluntary Benefits Available: Longer Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more
• Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Elbit America is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The salary range listed for this position reflects the anticipated base pay range for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including skills, experience, education, certifications, business needs, internal equity, and geographic location. Compensation may vary in different locations based on market conditions and cost-of-labor considerations.