Systems Engineer Principal

Saic; Lakehurst (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC seeks multiple Senior Systems Engineers to join the AAG/EMALS Systems Engineering Branch. You will design, develop, integrate, and field advanced naval aviation systems, supporting DoD 5000 acquisition activities across lifecycle phases.

You will lead cross-functional teams, manage interfaces, and drive technical rigor in architecture, testing, and documentation. DoD experience and interim clearance are required for this role in the Lakehurst, NJ area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical/Computer, Systems, or Industrial Engineering preferred)
• Minimum 9 years of Systems Engineering experience, preferably in DoD or NAVAIR environments
• Experience with DoD 5000 Acquisition Lifecycle processes
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams
• Clearance Requirement: Interim Clearance required to Start
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office & Power BI, and JIRA

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate technical activities to translate stakeholder needs into lifecycle-optimized systems
• Manage internal and external system interfaces for compatibility and performance
• Conduct system architecture design, component selection, and integration planning
• Ensure system design aligns with hardware, software, data, and infrastructure requirements
• Provide technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams across systems, hardware, software, test, cybersecurity, and safety
• Support DoD 5000 Acquisition framework and major milestone activities (SRRs, PDRs, Milestone A)
• Perform risk management, configuration management, trade-off analysis, and technical reviews
• Collaborate with engineering, logistics, manufacturing, and program leadership to solve complex problems
• Prepare technical proposals, engineering reports, drawings, white papers, and status briefings
• Document solutions within cost and schedule constraints

Skills

Systems engineering

DoD 5000

Risk management

Lifecycle planning

Interface management

Modeling & Simulation

Cross-functional teamwork

Technical leadership

Strong analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

JIRA

Power BI

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

We are seeking multiple talented and dedicated Senior Systems Engineers to join our high-impact team within the AAG/EMALS Systems Engineering (SE) Branch. In this role, you will play a critical part in the design, development, integration, and fielding of advanced systems supporting complex naval aviation platforms and technologies. Our division is responsible for systems engineering management, planning, analysis, and requirements analysis.

You will contribute to the development of aircraft systems, ship integration efforts, and cutting-edge enabling technologies. Your efforts will directly support the execution of the Department of Defense (DoD) 5000 Acquisition Framework for major weapons systems. The role focuses on ensuring the system meets all requirements, including performance, safety, and compatibility, throughout their entire lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

Systems Engineering & Integration:

• Lead and coordinate technical activities to ensure stakeholder needs are translated into effective, lifecycle-optimized systems
• Manage internal and external system interfaces for compatibility and performance
• Conduct system architecture design, component selection, and integration planning to meet all requirements
• Ensure alignment of system design with functional and physical requirements across hardware, software, data, and infrastructure
• Provide expert technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams, including systems, hardware, software, test, cybersecurity, and safety

Program Execution & Acquisition Support:

• Apply extensive knowledge of Systems Engineering for major weapon systems in alignment with the DoD 5000 Acquisition framework
• Support and execute technical reviews and major milestones (SRRs, PDRs, Milestone A, etc.), ensuring technical rigor and compliance with all criteria
• Assist with the development of technical guidance, instructions, and program documentation (white papers, decision memos, technical assessments)
• Collaborate with a multifaceted team of stakeholders (engineering, logistics, manufacturing, program leadership) to solve complex problems with many competing objectives
• Participate in key program activities, including Risk Management, Configuration Management, Trade-off Analysis, Technical Reviews, and Modeling & Simulation
• Experience supporting ACAT I program through all phases of the acquisition lifecycle

Technical Leadership & Risk Management:

• Provide technical oversight and integration guidance to multidisciplinary teams (systems, test, cyber, safety, hardware, software)
• Conduct system architecture design, component selection, integration planning, and technical risk assessments
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure program stability
• Prepare and review required documentation, including technical proposals, engineering reports, drawings, white papers, and status briefings
• Document solutions in relation to technical, cost, and schedule constraints

Engineering Analysis & Testing:

• Oversee integration, testing, and evaluation of systems and subsystems
• Conduct performance testing and validation analysis to ensure systems meet operational requirements
• Prepare detailed technical documents such as specifications, test plans, and engineering reports

Communication & Collaboration:

• Interface with stakeholders across program offices, fleet users, contractors, and industry
• Translate complex technical information for senior leadership, including non-technical decision-makers
• Support collaboration between engineering, logistics, test, and acquisition teams
• Provide regular progress reports and presentations to program management and stakeholders

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical/Computer, Systems, or Industrial Engineering preferred)
• Minimum 9 years of experience in Systems Engineering, preferably within DoD or NAVAIR environments
• Experience with Systems Engineering processes, especially within the DoD 5000 Acquisition Lifecycle
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams
• Clearance Requirement: Interim Clearance required to Start
• Proficiency in Microsoft Products (Word, Excel, PowerBi)
• Experience with one of the following fields:
  • Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Experience
  • Engineering Change Proposals
  • Ship Integration

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in JIRA application
• Experience in process and review Requests for Engineering Investigation (REIs)

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.