Senior Principal Engineer

Leidos; Bridgewater (VA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in Virginia seeks a senior systems engineer to lead technical efforts across airborne ISR platforms. You will develop whitepapers, CONOPS, and architecture narratives while coordinating with USG customers, subcontractors, and vendors.

A DoD Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility is required, with extensive travel to support program objectives. The role requires deep experience across the System Development Lifecycle for DoD/aerospace programs, MBSE in a DoD context, and hands-on testing

Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent; 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Active DoD Secret clearance; ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI.
• Experience across the full Systems Development Lifecycle.
• Expert in LRR, SIGINT and GEOINT remote sensing.
• Able to lead test planning, flight tests, and issue resolution.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of technical whitepapers, architecture products, and CONOPS for programs of record.
• Prepare RFIs, RFP responses, BOEs, and solution narratives for proposals.
• Support capture activities and participate in IDR, Red Team, and FEDSIM reviews.
• Coordinate with USG customers, subcontractors, and vendors; travel as needed.

Skills

Security clearance (DoD Secret or Top-

Solutioning LRR, SIGINT, GEOINT remote

MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering)

SysML / architecture modeling

Education

BA/BS or equivalent experience

Tools

SysML

MBSE tools

Job description

THE CHALLENGE (primary responsibilities)

Knows customer’s current technologies and understands future requirements; identifies current system performance gaps and recommends platform agnostic sensor solutions for bridge projects and and programs of record Support the division engineering team in evaluating new products, processes, integration standards and operational plans in support of existing and future airborne Intelligence Surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) technologies. Maintains technical project budget accountability and reports engineering costs to the customer and Program Management. Communicates with U.S. Government (USG) customers, subcontractors and vendors and other external constituents as required; influences stakeholders and decisionmakers on policies, practices and procedures. Develop teaming strategies and coordinate technical engagement with subcontractors, OEMs, technology vendors, and strategic industry partners while evaluating emerging technologies and differentiated mission capabilities. Lead development of technical whitepapers, architecture products, technical briefings, CONOPS, RFIs, RFP responses, BOEs, technical proposal volumes, risk assessments, and solution narratives. Conduct technical trade studies, architecture evaluations, integration planning, and solution assessments to ensure proposed solutions are executable, interoperable, competitive, and aligned with customer mission objectives. Provide SME support across capture and proposal activities while leading and participating in IDR, Red Team, and FEDSIM oral presentation reviews including technical storyboard development, rehearsal support, and executive-level presentations. Maintains operational oversight of engineering staff and Sensor Integration Lab equipment. And all other duties as required to ensure responsiveness of the program.

WHAT SETS YOU APART (basic qualifications)

Requires a BA/BS or equivalent experience and 8+ years prior relevant experience or Master’s with 6+ years prior relevant experience. Possess an active DoD Secret clearance with ability to acquire and maintain Top Secret/SCI. Experience determining solutions and providing direction for all phases of the Systems Development Lifecycle including design, integration, testing, deployment and sustainment of mission systems. Expert in solutioning LRR, SIGINT and GEOINT remote sensing systems for U.S. Government customers including experience working with Army Airborne ISR systems. Ability to direct and oversee develop of project test plans and procedures; manage test planning and airborne flight test execution. Proficient in investigating and determining root cause of product issues during testing and determine appropriate resolution. Expert in selecting, developing, modifying, integrating, and evaluating sensors and rack mounted equipment and electrical components for airborne. Effectively communicate with Leidos and sub‑contractor functional leads, managers, and employees. Ability to travel 25% to support one-on-one and Stakeholder meetings and surge travel up to 50% for to support integration and installation or test events. Be able to obtain a passport to travel internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience leading Integrated Product Team Meetings between Leidos, USG and subcontractors. Experience leading OML Engineering efforts as well as experience modifying Long Range Business Class platforms. Previous systems engineering experience with a focus on Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) within DoD or aerospace programs. Systems Modeling Language Model User Certified. Familiarity with Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles to ensure interoperability and open architectures.

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Pay Range

Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Company Overview

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

Securing Your Data

Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [e-mail].

Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.