Principal Systems Engineer

General Dynamics - Ordnance and Tactical Systems (WA); Washington, Bothell (District of Columbia, WA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 199,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead innovative projects in precision guidance technologies. This role involves collaborating with diverse teams to develop and maintain architectural models, manage risks, and support business development efforts. With a focus on Model Based Systems Engineering, you will drive continuous improvement and ensure that systems meet stringent requirements. The position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for travel and professional growth, making it ideal for motivated engineers eager to make a significant impact in the defense sector.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k Plan

PTO

Paid Family Leave

Educational Assistance

Short and Long-term Disability Insurance

Critical Illness Insurance

Pet Insurance

Qualifications

• 8-10 years experience in an engineering function.
• Expertise in early lifecycle technology development in Aerospace or Defense.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of precision guidance technologies.
• Perform requirements analysis and system design for guided munition programs.

Skills

Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC)

Requirements Analysis

Risk Management

Technical Leadership

Root Cause Analysis

Systems Integration

Technical Writing

Education

Associate's Degree

Master's Degree in Systems Engineering

Tools

SysML tools (e.g., Cameo)

DOORS

MS Office 365

Job description

Principal Systems Engineer

Job Locations

US-WA-Bothell | US-FL-St Petersburg

Requisition ID

2025-33657

Position Type

Full Time

Position Classification

On-Site

Job Function

Engineering

Overview

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS), a premier provider of ordnance weapons and tactical systems to the U.S. Department of Defense and allied nations, has an opening for an onsite Principal Systems Engineer to join our Bothell, WA / St. Petersburg, FL team. We take pride in supporting the mission of the warfighter by delivering the best, to the best. Our products can be found with every U.S. military branch and with allies around the world. We are looking for a motivated and creative leader to help shape and support our mission.

GD-OTS offers great benefits that are effective the first day of employment! Medical, dental vision, 401k and many other benefits are available without a waiting period.

Summary:

We are looking for a Principal Systems Engineer to join our engineering team to lead the development of precision guidance technologies. The Principal Systems Engineer works with internal and external stakeholders to develop and maintain system and subsystem architectural models, perform Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) simulation, define requirements and verification methods, and manage risk for guided munition programs. In this role, you will collaborate with program managers and technical leads to balance technical scope with cost, schedule, resources, and risk. Using a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach, you will recommend system engineering tools, define processes, and lead continuous improvement activities. The Principal Systems Engineer supports business development in drafting proposals and collaborates on internal research and development strategy.

***please note: this role can sit onsite at our Bothell, WA and/or St. Petersburg, FL locations and will involve a combination of collaborative/in-person work requiring travel to both locations***

Duties may include:

Performs requirements analysis and definition, functional analysis, performance analysis, system design, decision analysis and trade studies, systems integration and test (verification), validation, and interface definition studies of system/subsystem elements.
• Creates, manages, and validates requirement databases; establishes verification methods and maintains requirement traceability; and produces requirement verification trace matrices.
• Plans and implements system integration and verification programs to ensure the system meets all requirements. Includes development and execution of hardware and software test procedures.
• Develops and documents system architecture using model-based design practices, monitors overall performance to proactively identify potential issues and tune appropriately.
• Plans and supports generation of technical documents, presentation materials and coordinates feedback on customer provided documents.
• Coordinates with others to establish and improve processes and procedures.
• Presents technical briefings to internal and external customers.
• Leads risk management activities at the system and subsystem level.
• Identifies, analyzes, and resolves system design weaknesses, and performs Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) at functional and component levels.
• Leads formal root cause analysis and implementing corrective measures.
• Researches and analyzes data, such as vendor products, COTS components, GFE/CFE, specifications, and manuals to determine feasibility of design or application.
• Performs technical planning, cost and risk analyses, and effectiveness analyses for subsystem and system elements.
• Assists in the establishment of milestones and schedules for major systems engineering efforts.
• Provides leadership and mentoring to less experienced engineers, leads technical tasks for small teams or projects.
• Leads and participates in continuous improvement activities to advance performance of the Systems Engineering group.
• Supports business development by providing engineering support for proposals.

Major Position Responsibilities

• Designs, implements, installs, maintains, and administers infrastructures including hardware, software, and various configurations
• Monitors overall performance to proactively identify potential issues and tune appropriately
• Performs root cause analysis on failed components and implements corrective measures
• Works with others to establish and improve processes and procedures
• May have sole responsibility for projects and participate in disaster recovery exercises
• Responsible for the overall systems infrastructure including engineering, implementation and integration, and technical services and support

Basic Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree
• 8-10 years experience in an engineering function

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Systems Engineering or other closely related field
• Experience in early lifecycle technology development in the Aerospace or Defense industry.
• Expertise with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using SysML tools such as Cameo for modeling of system and subsystem architectures.
• Experience in a technical leadership role, engaging directly with customers, and mentoring engineers.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Clear understanding of basic project management principles..
• Ability to oversee other functional areas in the accomplishment of hardware, planning and test tasks
• Independently evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria, using judgment in making minor adaptations and modifications for the solution to specific engineering problems
• Ability to translate general customer requirements into products, specific requirements and program elements
• Strong team collaboration and leadership, capability to lead a technical team, provide direction to subcontractors, and collaborate with management
• Strong technical writing skill and disciplined approach to documentation and presentations
• Strong computer skills, administrative data control, scheduling and team interface
• Must be able to possess strong, planning, execution and multitasking skills and have demonstrated ability to reprioritize on the fly
• Position requires a high degree of analytical aptitude with strong problem solving skills
• Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals while performing a variety of complex tasks
• Works under limited supervision
• Looks for ways to improve and promote quality
• Must be able to manage quickly changing priorities while meeting deadlines
• Works within the highest level of integrity, ethics and safety
• Operates under minimal direction and exercises moderate to independent judgment
• Decisions are guided by policy, procedures and business plan
• Proficiency in requirements management and verification using tools such as DOORS

Other Requirements:

• Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance
• Proficiency with MS Office 365 tools
• Professional demeanor and presentation skills for frequent meetings, presentations, and site visits
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25-50% of time to Bothell, WA and/or St. Petersburg, FL

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. The statements do not represent an exhaustive list of required responsibilities and skills. Other duties may be added or this job description may be amended at any time. This job description does not alter an employee's at-will employment status or create an employment agreement or contract, implied or otherwise.

Pay Range (USD)

$107,065.00 - $198,835.00

Pay Transparency Statement

The salary range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum for salary for this position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, internal equity, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the range during the hiring process.

Benefits

Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and basic life insurance as well as pre-tax spending accounts. Employees are also able to enroll in the company's 401k plan and are eligible for the Non-Contributory Retirement Contribution. In addition to the benefits discussed above, the company offers the following voluntary benefits: Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Identify Theft Protection, Enhanced Legal Services, Auto and Home Insurance, Pet Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Educational Assistance.

PTO, Holiday, and Family Leave

Employees will receive 11 paid holidays and 120 hours of PTO annually and up to 3 weeks paid family leave.