Surveillance Systems Lead Engineer

Saalex; Lexington Park (MD); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental &amp

Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)

Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary &

Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick &)

Short Term & Long Term Disability

Training & Development

Wellness Resources

Stock Option Plan

Job summary

Greenfield Engineering, a Saalex Company, seeks a Surveillance Systems Lead Engineer for Patuxent River, MD. The role combines on-site oversight with hybrid remote work, requiring 60%+ on-site presence.

As the technical authority for airborne surveillance systems, you will lead integration, certification, and interoperability efforts across Naval Aviation platforms, driving risk management and test executions.

Qualifications

• Experience with airborne surveillance systems, including ADS-B Out/In, Mode S, TCAS/ACAS.
• Knowledge of RTCA DO-260/DO-181/DO-185/DO-300/DO-385 and FAA ACs.
• Experience in systems engineering, airworthiness certification, verification and validation.
• Active Secret clearance or higher required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as branch technical authority for airborne surveillance systems.
• Establish engineering processes, standards, and best practices.
• Provide oversight and technical direction to surveillance engineering team.
• Lead certification activities for ADS-B, Mode S, and future tech.
• Support TCAS/ACAS certification efforts and airworthiness plans.
• Collaborate with PMAs, CHENGs, FAA, industry partners, and international stakeholders.

Skills

Airborne surveillance

ADS-B Out/In

Mode S

TCAS/ACAS

Certification workflows

DoD/FAA regs

Systems engineering

Risk management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

10+ years engineering experience

3+ years direct Surveillance experience

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Greenfield Engineering, a Saalex Company is seeking a Surveillance Systems Lead Engineer in Patuxent River, MD. The Surveillance Systems Lead Engineer serves as the lead engineer and technical authority for airborne surveillance systems, overseeing integration, certification, and compliance across Naval Aviation platforms. Leads engineering efforts to ensure systems are safe, interoperable, and compliant with evolving airspace requirements while proactively managing certification risks.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $150k-$180k annually (depending on experience)
Work Location: Hybrid remote/in-office. (see onsite requirements below)

**On-site Requirements:

This position requires the ability to work onsite at Patuxent River, MD 60%+ of the time.

Essential Functions:

• Technical Leadership
  • Serve as branch technical authority for airborne surveillance systems
  • Establish engineering processes, standards, and best practices
  • Provide oversight and technical direction to surveillance engineering team
  • Review engineering analyses, certification artifacts, and technical strategies
• Certification & Compliance
  • Lead certification activities for ADS-B (Out/In), Mode S, and future surveillance technologies
  • Support TCAS, ACAS, and collision avoidance system certification efforts
  • Conduct Airworthiness Reviews, Flight Clearances, and Airworthiness Certification Plans
  • Support ANCTR reviews, Airworthiness Technical Assessments, and certification boards
• Systems Engineering & Integration
  • Evaluate surveillance architectures, interfaces, and system designs
  • Assess interoperability with Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems
  • Review requirements, design documentation, test procedures, and verification data
  • Support lifecycle integration across multiple aircraft platforms
• Technical Assessment & Risk Management
  • Conduct performance assessments and interoperability evaluations
  • Identify system risks and support hazard analyses and SSRAs
  • Develop and implement mitigation strategies
• Test & Evaluation
  • Support laboratory, ground, and flight testing activities
  • Evaluate compliance evidence and system performance outcomes
• Enterprise Coordination
  • Collaborate with PMAs, CHENGs, TWHs, FAA, industry partners, and international stakeholders
  • Ensure alignment with regulatory and operational requirements across organizations
  • Other duties as assigned or required

Required:

• Demonstrated experience with airborne surveillance systems, including:
  • ADS-B Out / ADS-B In
  • Mode S Transponders (EHS / ELS)
  • TCAS, TCAS II, and ACAS systems
  • Cooperative surveillance and air traffic surveillance architectures
• Strong knowledge of certification standards and regulatory frameworks, including:
  • RTCA DO-260, DO-181, DO-185, DO-300, DO-385
  • FAA Advisory Circulars (AC 20-165, AC 20-172)
  • ICAO Annex 10 and international surveillance requirements
  • NAVAIR airworthiness policies and processes
• Experience in:
  • Systems engineering and integration
  • Airworthiness certification and compliance processes
  • Requirements management, verification, and validation
  • Risk management, hazard analysis, and SSRAs
  • Test and evaluation methodologies
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and provide engineering oversight across multiple programs or platforms

Desired:

• Experience supporting Naval Aviation or DoD aviation programs
• Familiarity with civil/military surveillance interoperability and IFF systems (Mode A/C, Mode S, military interfaces)
• Experience with advanced or emerging surveillance technologies (e.g., ACAS Xa/Xo, future CNS/ATM systems)
• Prior involvement in certification boards, ANCTR processes, or airspace integration initiatives
• Experience coordinating with FAA, international regulators, and industry stakeholders
• Strong background in oceanic and international airspace operations

Education/Years of Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field required and 3+ years direct Surveillance experience, and 10+ years engineering experience.
• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in a relevant discipline is preferred

Security Clearance:

Active Secret clearance required. Requirements to obtain a clearance include US Citizenship, security investigation, etc.

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources
• Stock Option Plan