Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Airborne PNT

questdefensesystemssolutionsinc; Cedar Rapids (IA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Life insurance

Disability coverage

401(k) match

Certification support

Professional development

Flexible workplace

Job summary

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions seeks a Sr. Principal Systems Engineer to lead architecture, requirements development, integration, and validation for next-generation GPS/PNT solutions.

The role serves as a technical authority across airborne product lines, driving innovation in resilient navigation and anti-jam technologies. This hybrid position combines on-site engineering collaboration with remote analytical work, offering access to secure labs and critical hardware while supporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field such as Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• 8+ years with a BS; 6+ years with an MS; 4+ years with a PhD.
• Demonstrated experience across the full systems engineering lifecycle (requirements, architecture, design, integration, test).
• Strong understanding of real-time embedded systems and system-level hardware/software interfaces.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly in documentation, presentations, and cross-functional discussions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead requirement analysis, decomposition, and derivation of system-level specifications into hardware, software, and interface requirements.
• Define and refine architectures for real-time embedded GPS/PNT systems optimized for airborne platforms.
• Drive disciplined systems engineering processes, ensuring traceability, configuration management, and audit-ready engineering artifacts.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, integration procedures, and qualification activities to verify system performance.
• Utilize MBSE tools to enhance requirements traceability, behavioral modeling, and system consistency.
• Partner with software, RF, hardware, and algorithm teams to resolve multi-disciplinary challenges and conduct trade studies.
• Provide mentorship to systems engineers across experience levels, promoting rigor and continuous improvement.
• Prepare and present technical briefings to leadership, program management, and government/military stakeholders.

Skills

Systems engineering

Requirements analysis

MBSE

Real-time embedded

Technical communication

Security clearance

Education

BS in Electrical/Systems Engineering or CS

MS in Electrical/Systems Engineering

PhD in related field

Tools

Cameo

MagicDraw

MagicGrid

SysML

DOORS

JAMA

MATLAB

Python

Job description

We don't just build technology-we engineer the future. From next-gen aerospace to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the limits of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and big thinkers thrive.

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking a Sr. Principal Systems Engineer to lead systems architecture, requirements development, integration, and validation for next-generation GPS and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solutions. In this role, you will serve as a technical authority across our Airborne PNT product lines, helping drive innovation in resilient navigation, anti-jam systems, and precision approach technologies.

This hybrid position includes both on-site engineering collaboration and remote analytical work, balancing flexibility with access to secure labs and critical hardware.

Join QDSS's mission to equip warfighters with reliable, survivable navigation systems that perform in the most challenging air and maritime environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Systems Development: Lead requirement analysis, decomposition, and derivation of system-level specifications into hardware, software, and interface requirements.
• Architecture & Design: Define and refine architectures for real-time embedded GPS/PNT systems optimized for airborne platforms, advanced receivers, and secure navigation processing chains.
• Process Leadership: Drive disciplined systems engineering processes, ensuring traceability, configuration management, and audit-ready engineering artifacts.
• Verification & Validation: Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, integration procedures, and qualification activities to verify system performance under operational and stressed conditions.
• Digital Engineering: Utilize Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies to enhance requirements traceability, behavioral modeling, and system consistency.
• Technical Collaboration: Partner with software, RF, hardware, and algorithm engineering teams to resolve multi-disciplinary challenges and conduct detailed trade studies.
• Mentorship: Provide guidance and technical mentorship to systems engineers across experience levels, promoting rigor, consistency, and continuous improvement.
• Customer Engagement: Prepare and present technical briefings to internal leadership, program management, and government/military stakeholders.

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field such as Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.

• Minimum experience:
  • 8+ years with a BS
  • 6+ years with an MS
  • 4+ years with a PhD
• Demonstrated experience across the full systems engineering lifecycle (requirements, architecture, design, integration, test).
• Strong understanding of real-time embedded systems and system-level hardware/software interfaces.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly in documentation, presentations, and cross-functional discussions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance.

Preferred Education, Experience & Skills

• Experience with airborne certification processes or standards (DO-178C, DO-254, MIL-STD-882, MIL-STD-810).
• Familiarity with military PNT systems, GPS receivers, anti-jam technologies, A-PNT architectures, or resilient navigation techniques.
• Experience with MBSE tools such as Cameo, MagicDraw, MagicGrid, or SysML modeling frameworks.
• Proficiency with requirements tools (DOORS, JAMA) and engineering analysis tools (MATLAB, Python).
• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance.
• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience using generative AI or automation tools to enhance system modeling, analysis, or documentation productivity.

The QDSS Advantage

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You'll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.

What You'll Find Here

• Work That Matters - Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.
• Growth That's Supported - Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.
• A Culture That Works - A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.

Benefits Include

Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.

Pay Ranges

$100,000 - $160,000 USD

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions , we don't just build technology - we engineer the future. From next-generation aer