Sr. Principal Software Systems Engineer

AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. is seeking a Sr. Principal Software Systems Engineer to join their team in Herndon, Virginia. The ideal candidate will design and analyze new satellite systems, overseeing requirements and verification throughout the development lifecycle.

This role demands exceptional engineering skills with at least 20 years of experience and focuses on leading projects, systems engineering tasks, and mentoring fellow engineers. Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in STEM, with a Master's preferred. Travel may be required for collaboration with Airbus counterparts.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 20 years experience with a bachelor's degree.
• Proven track record in aerospace programs and detailed system design.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Drive development of satellite systems focusing on requirements.
• Perform systems engineering tasks for satellite systems.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to other engineers.

Skills

Agile / Scrum methodologies

Leadership

Systems architecture

Requirements verification

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM

Tools

Model Based Systems Engineering tools

Requirements management tools (DOORS)

Job description

Position Summary

Airbus U.S. is looking for an enthusiastic and creative Sr. Principal Software Systems Engineer to design and analyze new satellite and aerospace systems. This role requires exceptional engineering skills and strong experience in aerospace programs.

Position Responsibilities

The Sr. Principal Software Systems Engineer will drive the development of Airbus U.S.'s satellite systems with a focus on requirements and verification, and will be involved in the full lifecycle of development — from requirements definition, validation, verification, to operations. The engineer will provide autonomous solutions to complex problems, work closely with the Systems Engineering Manager, and lead projects and provide subject matter expertise.

Systems Engineering – 75%

• Perform systems engineering tasks for Airbus U.S. satellite systems, including the heritage Arrow platform:
  • Requirements development — initial definition, decomposition, flow down, and management.
  • System design and trade studies — high‑level concept trades to support subsequent detail design.
  • Verification planning and testing — verification matrices, buy‑off / sell‑off, test planning, analysis planning, etc.
  • Ensure proper Systems Engineering processes are followed, including requirements traces / RVTMs.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that technical requirements are met.
  • Flight Software anomaly resolution and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrate ability to participate in cross‑functional planning, coordination, and task execution involving the full spectrum of engineering and integration activities.
• Technical lead for Airbus U.S. Software Systems Engineering function and process, guiding and mentoring other engineers.

Roadmap Development – 15%

• Support Airbus spacecraft development product roadmap; includes design adjustments, schedule, and cost targets aligned for future business captures.
• Support the definition of spacecraft customization process for customer mission needs.

Additional Responsibilities – 10%

• Perform all necessary systems engineering activities to build, maintain, and evolve Airbus spacecraft products.
• Promote and optimize cost savings by reusing the heritage platform designs and manufacturing infrastructures in pursuit of various constellation prospects.

Qualified Experience / Skills / Training

Education

• Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.

Experience

• Minimum of 20 years with a bachelor's degree, or 18 years with a master’s degree.
• Proven track record of working with aerospace hardware and/or software systems, from conceptual designs and tradeoffs through detailed design, development, manufacture, integration, test, deployment, and operations.
• Proven track record of leading multi‑disciplinary teams to solve problems.

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities

• Familiarity with Agile / Scrum methodologies and workflows.
• Familiarity with elements of space mission architectures beyond the satellite platform — including launch, flight operations, mission CONOPS, user interfaces, etc.
• Experience with systems architecture, requirements definition and decomposition, and requirements verification and validation (e.g., Requirements Verification and Traceability Matrices).
• Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methods.
• Experience with requirements management tools (DOORS or similar).
• Experience leading or performing analysis for affordability, safety, reliability, maintainability, testability, human systems integration, survivability, vulnerability, susceptibility, system security, regulatory, certification, product assurance, or other specialties engineering disciplines.
• Communicate in a clear and concise manner effectively across multiple levels.
• Be team‑minded and ready to work in a multi‑functional and multi‑cultural, fast‑moving and complex/technical environment.
• Flexible attitude and strong initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results.

Travel Required

• Periodic travel (less than 20%) to Airbus U.S. facilities or partner companies.
• Occasional international travel to collaborate with European Airbus counterparts.

Eligibility

• US Citizenship is required.

Clearance

• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
• Active DoD security clearance at Secret or above highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

• Vision: able to see and read computer screen and other electronic equipment, and read documents.
• Hearing: able to hear to participate in conversations in person or via teleconference or phone, and to hear safety warnings or alarms.
• Equipment Operation: able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment.
• Carrying: able to carry documents, electronic equipment and/or supplies up to 40lbs (9kg).
• Lifting: able to lift documents, electronic equipment and/or supplies up to 40lbs (9kg).
• Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings and while working on a computer.
• Squatting / Kneeling: able to occasionally squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items on bottom shelves.
• Standing: able to stand for long periods of time.
• Walking: able to walk through office and outside areas including uneven surfaces.

Equal Opportunity

Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status.

Administrative Information

As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for U.S. positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as needed. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Company Website

www.airbusus.com