Principal Systems Engineer

Leidos

. Architect, lead, and deliver hypersonic vehicle designs and custom/COTS Line Replaceable Units for missile systems .

Posted 10/30/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $131,300 - $237,350 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in systems engineering with a focus on hypersonic vehicle designs and missile systems, leveraging multi-disciplinary integration techniques and compliance with defense standards. Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage complex projects while ensuring rigorous adherence to military requirements and testing protocols.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Systems Engineering ExperienceHypersonic Vehicle DesignMulti-Disciplinary Team LeadershipActive Top Secret Security ClearanceMBSE Methodologies

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Systems EngineeringHypersonic Vehicle DesignWeapon Systems ArchitectureEarned Value ManagementEnvironmental Stress ScreeningWOSA Messaging StandardsControl Account ManagementTechnical Write-UpsWork Breakdown StructuresAgile Framework Implementation

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipCommunicationCollaborationProblem-SolvingInterpersonal Skills

Tools & Technologies

Cameo/MagicDrawIBM DOORSSysMLWeapon Open System ArchitectureModel-Based Systems Engineering

Certifications & Qualifications

Master's Degree in EngineeringBachelor's Degree in EngineeringCertified Test Conductor

Industry Keywords

Defense StandardsIntegrated Product TeamsMissile SystemsFlight-Worthy SystemsTechnical Authority

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Architect, lead, and deliver hypersonic vehicle designs and custom/COTS Line Replaceable Units for missile systems
Support complex system designs using multi-disciplinary integration techniques and Weapon Open System Architecture frameworks
Direct multi-disciplinary Integrated Product Teams
Act as the primary internal technical authority and host weekly technical interchange meetings with external subcontractors
Translate military standards into rigorous hardware requirements
Support Control Account Managers with technical write-ups, work breakdowns, schedule estimates, Earned Value Management, CapEx initiatives, and competitive proposals
Serve as a certified test conductor or lead verification engineer
Establish system-level test plans, environmental stress screening, HWIL integration, and launch-readiness countdown actions

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree in engineering or related STEM discipline with 10+ years of systems engineering experience, or a bachelor’s degree in engineering or similar with 12+ years of relevant systems engineering experience
Proven background as an architect or technical lead creating flight-worthy weapon systems
Comprehensive working knowledge and implementation history with defense standards
Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams as an IPT Lead, product owner, or scrum master within an agile framework
U.S. Citizenship is strictly required
Active Top Secret security clearance required
Ability to travel 25% or more
Familiarity with MBSE methodologies, SysML concepts, Cameo/MagicDraw, and IBM DOORS
Hands-on experience implementing WOSA or MOSA messaging standards