Principal Systems Engineer - Onsite

RTX (Raytheon); Sterling, Davis (VA, WV); On-site; USD 130,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Three weeks vacation

401(k) with employer matching

Tuition reimbursement

Student Loan Repayment

Life insurance

Job summary

RTX’s Collins Aerospace unit is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to join the Sterling, VA onsite team. You will lead the design, development, integration, and sustainment of advanced training systems for military platforms, ensuring high‑fidelity capabilities and compliant with mission requirements.

The candidate will bring MBSE experience, SysML proficiency, and a background in DoD‑level programs with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams in a classified environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with capture, analysis and decomposition of system requirements.
• Understanding of the Product Development Lifecycle from CONOPS to Sustainment.
• Proficiency with MBSE design tools (SysML) and on-site security clearance.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills; ability to work in a classified environment.

Responsibilities

• Be focal point for systems engineering across full lifecycle of training systems.
• Interface with customers, program managers, and stakeholders to align solutions with requirements.
• Ensure training systems represent aircraft mission systems including radar and C2.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and simulation engineers for integration.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation for performance and delivery.
• Support upgrades, obsolescence management for training systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive process improvements.

Skills

MBSE design

SysML

Education

STEM degree

Tools

Enterprise Architect

Cameo

Job description

Date Posted:

2026-09-16

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-VA-STERLING-291 ~ 22640 Davis Dr ~ DAVIS

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type:

Secret - Current

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

Principal Systems Engineer - Onsite

At RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world's most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Role Description:

As our next Principal Systems Engineer you will be integral to the to the design, development, integration, and sustainment of advanced training systems for military platforms. This role enables the delivery of high-fidelity training capabilities that accurately replicate mission systems, enabling aircrew and operators to train effectively in simulated environments.

The ideal candidate brings systems engineering experience, a strong knowledge of avionics, mission systems or autonomous systems, and the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams in a defense or aerospace environment.

This position requires: US Government Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Security Clearance Day 1 .

Onsite: This is an onsite role supporting our Sterling, VA location.

Sign-on Bonus Eligible

What YOU will do:

• Be the focal point for systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle of training systems, including requirements development, design, integration, test, and sustainment
• Interface with customers, program managers, and internal stakeholders to align technical solutions with mission requirements
• Ensure training systems accurately represent aircraft mission systems, including radar, communications, and command & control functions
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and simulation engineers to integrate subsystems into cohesive training solutions
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies related to system performance, integration and delivery
• Support upgrades, modifications, and obsolescence management for existing training systems
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Experience with capture, analysis and decomposition of System requirements
• Understanding of the Product Development Lifecycle - from CONOPS to Sustainment
• Must have experience with Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) design tools (Enterprise Architect, Cameo, or equivalent) using SysML
• Ability to work in a classified environment and obtain/maintain required security clearance
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Requires on-site presence in a classified lab space.
• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
• Active and transferable U.S. Government DoD Secret Security Clearance is required prior to start date.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Background in simulation and training system development
• Experience working in a SAFe Agile environment
• Familiaritywith real-time systems, distributed simulation or virtual training environments
• Experiencewith hardware/software integration and lab environments
• Knowledgeof DoD acquisition processes and standards

What We Offer:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Pla