Principal Engineer (Systems Engineer)

Principal Engineer (Systems Engineer)

Job Locations


US-VT-Colchester

Requisition ID


2026-35893

Position Type


Full Time

Position Classification


On-Site

Job Function


Engineering

Company Overview

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) is a global leader in the design, engineering and production of munitions, energetics, weapons, armaments, and missile subsystems around the world. OTS empowers the U.S. military and its allies with an extensive range of overarching product segments applied across all levels of strategic and tactical operations, providing a cutting-edge advantage to our warfighters.Our Ethos of Honesty, Trust, Transparency, and Alignment, are the guiding principles that form the foundation of everything we do. Integrity is paramount, innovation fuels our passion, customer satisfaction is at the core of our mission, and collaboration is key to our success - fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect among employees, partners, and stakeholders.Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits that include career development and recognition programs.If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Job Summary

We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead integration, qualification, manufacturing, transition to production, and fielding of Active Protection System technologies, including countermeasure munitions, radars, optics, turrets, turret controls, and real-time software. You will work with foreign suppliers, vehicle prime contractors, and US military customers while collaborating with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and program teams. Duties include system architecture, requirements, verification, vehicle integration, testing, troubleshooting, safety, logistics, training, and documentation.

This role requires regular domestic travel and periodic international travel to supplier sites and military facilities.

Impact of the Role

General Profile

Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise in own job discipline or field
• Uses advanced techniques, theories, and processes to complete work
• Leads others to solve complex problems
• Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations
• May lead functional teams or projects
• Consistent exercise of discretion & judgment

Essential Functions

• Applies standard engineering techniques to design, analyze, test, maintain, repair, or improve products, components, or assemblies.
• Analyzes, develops and evaluates systems.
• Improves and maintains current systems or creates brand new projects.
• Designs and drafts blueprints, visits systems in the field and manages projects.
• Applies engineering techniques and analyses within the scope of the assignment.

Additional Responsibilities

Leads product lifecycle activities including requirements, design, integration, testing, validation, and support. Manages requirement databases, verification methods, and traceability. Plans and executes integration and test efforts. Develops system architecture and supports safety, reliability, logistics, documentation, and obsolescence. Identifies design issues and performs FMEA.

Required Qualifications

• Required education and experience: Associate's Degree and 8-10 years' experience
• Discipline/Major: Engineering degree required
• Critical professional related technical skills; computer skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred education and experience: Master's degree in Systems Engineering or other closely related field
• Knowledge, skills & abilities: Oral and written communication. Analytical thinking. Critical thinking skills. Problem solving skills. Mathematics skills. Computer skills. Technical expertise.
• Key Qualifications:
  • Experience in full lifecycle technology development in the Aerospace or Defense industry
  • Expertise with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using SysML tools such as Cameo for modeling of system and subsystem architectures
  • Demonstrated experience in a technical leadership role, engaging directly with customers, and mentoring engineers
  • Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance is required; an existing clearance is strongly preferred

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a desk and/or computer for extended periods of time.
• Requires regular movement throughout GD-OTS facilities.
• Work may require employee to work inside and outside with exposure to changing climate and/or operate machinery.

Travel Requirements

25-50% travel likely.

Pay Range (USD)

$119,425.00 - $161,578.00

Pay Transparency Statement

The salary range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum for salary for this position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, internal equity, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the range during the hiring process.

Additional Compensation

Hired applicant may be eligible to participate in the Company's Gain Sharing Program.

Benefits

Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and basic life insurance as well as pre-tax spending accounts. Employees are also able to enroll in the company's 401k plan and are eligible for the Non-Contributory Retirement Contribution. In addition to the benefits discussed above, the company offers the following voluntary benefits: Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Identify Theft Protection, Enhanced Legal Services, Auto and Home Insurance, Pet Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Educational Assistance.

PTO, Holiday, and Family Leave

Employees will receive 11 paid holidays and 120 hours of PTO annually and up to 3 weeks paid family leave.

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The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. The statements do not represent an exhaustive list of required responsibilities and skills. Other duties may be added or this job description may be amended at any time. This job description does not alter an employee's at-will employment status or create an employment agreement or contract, implied or otherwise.