Principal Systems Engineer

Systems Engineering Team LeadThe Propeller Systems Engineering organization is seeking a customer-focused, technically strong Systems Engineering Team Lead to support both in-service propeller products and new product development. This role spans system design, validation, upgrade execution, and field support activities across military and commercial platforms. The position involves frequent collaboration with U.S. military customers, operators, maintainers, airframe manufacturers, engine manufacturers, and internal teams.The ideal candidate brings strong systems engineering expertise—systems architecture, modeling, requirements development and management, and verification & validation—along with the ability to guide a high-performing team through complex technical challenges.This is an onsite position in Windsor Locks, CT. It can be a hybrid role of 4 days onsite 1 day remote.Reporting to the Propeller Systems Windsor Locks site engineering manager, combining individual technical contribution with leadership of a small systems engineering team of 3-4 engineers. The Team Lead will oversee key engineering activities, support project proposal development, manage performance milestones, and ensure effective use of engineering resources to meet program objectives, but is not responsible for performance reviews and line managerial tasks. The Propeller System's engineering organization in Windsor Locks is a small organization in comparison to many other product lines providing excellent opportunities for motivated engineers to work across multiple specialties supporting the full lifecycle of a product. In this role the systems team lead will directly influence the safety, reliability, and performance of propeller systems used across global military and commercial fleets.What You Will DoLead systems engineering efforts for both existing product support and new product development on military and commercial propeller-driven aircraft platforms. Activities include:Participating in and supporting customer technical meetingsConducting systems-level investigations for field issues and manufacturing concerns, including root-cause identification and corrective action developmentIdentifying upgrade opportunities and problem-solving pathwaysLeading software and hardware upgrade projects, including verification, validation, and certification activitiesSupporting on-aircraft testing, integration, and troubleshootingCoordinate propeller control and modeling development efforts with local and international engineering teamsCoordinate technical aspects of supplier designed equipment development through creation of specifications and evaluation of the results of verification/validation activities performed by a third partyOversee and contribute to propeller systems architecture definition, modeling, requirements development, and verification/validation throughout all program phasesPerform systems analysis across the entire product lifecycle—from concept and design through fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance, and retirementLead technical planning, project execution, and systems engineering cost and risk assessmentsTranslate customer and system-level requirements into subsystem and component-level requirements and develop associated verification criteria and plansInterface with internal stakeholders, external customers (including military organizations, powerplant manufacturers, and aircraft OEMs), and suppliersTroubleshoot complex hydraulic, electronic, and mechanical systems to support fielded products and development programsOversee propeller engineering test rig upgrade and modernization programs to include sustainment of rigs used to support propeller development and investigationsDevelop strategies and plans for requirements management, reliability, logistics, cross-functional communication, and performance evaluation for large or complex programsGuide the team responsible for requirements processing, verification planning, and customer specification analysisRecommend technology, resource, process, or system improvements to enhance program quality and executionCollaborate regularly with engineering, manufacturing, and leadership teams in both Windsor Locks, CT and Figeac, France.Domestic and international travel is required to support suppliers, customers, and aircraft operators (less than 20%)Must Have QualificationsTypically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experienceSystem Engineering experiencePreferred QualificationsAerospace experienceMaster's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems EngineeringControl system design and testing including software preferred (with DO178)Experience with hydraulic/mechanical control systems engineering development and service supportEngineering and RRCA investigations experienceCyber Security familiarity or experienceSystems Safety Analysis experienceManagement/leadership experience with ARP4754Full life cycle experience as a systems engineer: systems architecture requirements development modeling and simulation/ verification and validationAircraft flight testing experienceExperience with MATLAB/SimulinkExperience with Doors or similar configuration management toolsExperience with diverse international teamsWhat We Offer:Some of our competitive benefits package includes:Medical, dental, and vision insuranceThree weeks of vacation for newly hired employeesGenerous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy optionTuition reimbursement programStudent Loan Repayment ProgramLife insurance and disability coverageOptional coverages you can buy: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protectionBirth, adoption, parental leave benefitsOvia Health, fertility, and family planningAdoption AssistanceAutism BenefitEmployee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessionsHealthy You Incentives, wellness rewards programDoctor on Demand, virtual doctor visitsBright Horizons, child and elder care servicesTeladoc Medical Experts, second opinion programAnd more!