Senior Systems Engineer - Onsite

Socket.dev; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 182,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Sign-on bonus eligible

Employee referral program

Job summary

Collins Aerospace is hiring a Senior Systems Engineer for an onsite role in Sterling, VA to design, develop, integrate, and sustain advanced training systems for military platforms. You will work in a classified DoD environment and must hold an active Secret clearance from Day 1.

The position requires on-site presence in a classified lab and offers relocation assistance, sign-on eligibility, and a broad benefits package as part of RTX/Collins Aerospace.

Qualifications

• Experience with capture, analysis and decomposition of system requirements.
• Understanding of the product development lifecycle from CONOPS to sustainment.
• Experience with MBSE design tools using SysML.
• Ability to obtain/maintain required security clearance for a classified environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Requires on-site presence in a classified lab space.
• Typically a STEM degree with several years of relevant experience or an advanced degree with fewer years.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle of training systems.
• Interface with customers, program managers, and internal stakeholders to align technical solutions with mission requirements.
• Ensure training systems accurately represent aircraft mission systems and C2 functions.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and simulation engineers to integrate subsystems.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies for system performance and delivery.
• Support upgrades, modifications, and obsolescence management for existing training systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to process improvements.

Skills

System requirements analysis

Lifecycle knowledge

MBSE tools

Security clearance

Communication

On-site presence

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Tools

Enterprise Architect

Cameo

SysML

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

Senior 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 Senior Systems Engineer you will be integral to the to the design, development, integration, and sustainment of advanced training systems for military platforms. Youwillbeprovided withthe training and tools to help grow your skills to become a subject matter expert (SME) in systems engineering and will learn from the best working at Collins Aerospace.

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.

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

Sign-on Bonus Eligible

What YOU will do

• Lead 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,analysisand 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) usingSysML
• 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 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 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

• Experience with capture,analysisand decomposition of System requirements
• Understanding of the Product Development Lifecycle – from CONOPS to Sustainment
• Experience with Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) design tools (Enterprise Architect, Cameo, or equivalent) usingSysML.
• 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

What We Offer

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:

• 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 illnessinsurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• Eligible for relocation assistance
• And more!

Relocation: Assistance may be provided

Employee Referral Eligible

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.

Privacy Policy and Terms:

Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

The salary range for this role is 95,500 USD - 181,700 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.