Principal Engineer

OverviewSystems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.Comprising more than 130 personnel, the Integrated Warfare Systems Group (IWSG) delivers expertise across program and project management, acquisition and contracting, systems and digital engineering, software development, test and evaluation, sustainment and life‑cycle management, cybersecurity, international/Foreign Military Sales, strategic communications, and IT services. These capabilities support more than 100 Above Water Sensor, Undersea, and Combat System programs and projects within the Navy’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Mission Systems, Maritime and Munitions, as well as clients at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, and the Office of Naval Research.#FC #DiceResponsibilitiesYou will provide Subject Matter Expertise (SME) support to a critical organization in the Naval Sea Systems Command. As Principal Engineer you will be responsible for the support to senior Government personnel in the ongoing development, testing, and fielding of shipboard HPM weapon systems. You will keep program leadership current with the latest developments, including developments that could be critical to future Navy HPM weapon system programs. You will represent the program to the Science and Technology (S&T) communities and expertly analyze applicability of HPM S&T research for appropriate DE weapon missions and in the testing and evaluation of current and future HPM systems. You can expect to primarily work from the DC or Dahlgren, VA area. QualificationsA Master of Science (MS) degree from an accredited college or university in an engineering, scientific, or technical discipline;Fifteen (15) years of experience developing, designing, integrating, and testing HPM or pulsed power systems. Experience may be in radio frequency and microwave design OR pulsed power and high voltage design;Experience in HPM weapon effects or electromagnetic interference analysis;Ten (10) years of experience planning, technically directing, coordinating, and controlling engineering activities associated with engineering support contracts; solving technical problems that arise from the development and design of various directed energy systems; and providing expert judgement and analysis for the design, development, integration, and implementation of technical products and systems;Ten (10) years of experience related to one or more of the following technology areas: RF sensors, HPM systems, image and signal processing, and modeling and simulation;Ten (10) years of experience with US Navy or other Armed Services' Weapon or Warfare Systems research and development programs;DoD Top Secret clearance with ability to receive TS/SCI and the ability to maintain clearance throughout employment. Pay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $170,000.00/Yr. - USD $215,000.00/Yr.Job SummaryID: 2026-23286Category: Engineering & Technical ServicesSecurity Clearance Requirement: SecretType: Regular Full-TimeLevel: Senior