Principle Software Systems Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Software Systems Engineer Job Description

The Principal Software Systems Engineer is responsible for the technical supervision of the design, development, testing, and production or operation of an engineering project. As the technical leader, you will manage the engineering team on behalf of the Program Manager, ensuring adherence to cost estimates, timely delivery, and compliance with requirements. You will own the design of the technical solution and work with Lead Engineers to ensure that the project progresses efficiently and meets technical objectives.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical solution design and architecture for assigned programs.
• Provide technical supervision across all phases: design, development, testing, and production/operation.
• Lead technical decision-making and establish engineering best practices.
• Conduct design reviews and ensure technical quality across deliverables.
• Resolve complex technical challenges and provide innovative solutions.
• Mentor and develop engineering talent across the team and organization.
• Estimate work packages to assist the Project Manager in developing schedules.
• Manage the engineering team on behalf of the Program Manager.
• Collaborate with Lead Engineers to ensure efficient workflow and progress.
• Ensure adherence to cost estimates and budget constraints.
• Drive delivery within required schedules and milestones.
• Verify compliance with DoD requirements and specifications.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including systems engineering, software development, hardware engineering, and quality assurance.
• Translate customer requirements into technical specifications and architecture.
• Manage requirements traceability throughout the development lifecycle.
• Ensure proper documentation of technical designs, decisions, and rationale.
• Maintain technical documentation in Confluence.
• Serve as primary technical liaison across internal and external stakeholders, suppliers, subcontractors, and customers.
• Present technical solutions and progress to leadership and clients.
• Participate in technical interchange meetings (TIMs) and program reviews.

Essential Skills

• 10+ years of experience in development of hardware or software related to modeling and simulation or relevant project domains.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible engineering experience, including leadership roles.
• Strong background/experience in systems design and documentation.
• Experience with DoD acquisition processes, standards, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated success managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Experience with distributed simulation architectures and training systems.
• Familiarity with DoD standards, Mil-spec requirements.
• Proficiency with simulation architectures (e.g., HLA/RTI, DIS, TENA, FOM/SOM development).
• Strong foundation in software development lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies.
• Knowledge of real-time systems and performance optimization.
• Understanding of network architectures and distributed systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, ICDs, wiring diagrams, and vendor documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a Bachelor’s or higher degree in engineering (Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Simulation, or related disciplines).
• Direct experience qualifying FFS Level D or FTD Level 3 training devices within a National Aviation Authority.
• Experience with international deployment logistics.
• Experience with flight simulation systems or rotorcraft technologies.
• Knowledge of visual system qualification criteria, motion/controls cueing, and aural cueing performance requirements.
• Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to mentor and develop engineering talent.
• Experience presenting to senior leadership and government customers.
• Strategic thinking and technical vision.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Active security clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance required.

Work Environment

This role blends hands-on project engineering with leadership of a multidisciplinary engineering team, using a hybrid management approach in support of a strategic rotary-wing simulator trainer program. Travel is required (

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Orlando, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $69.00 - $76.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Orlando,FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on us.fitly.work for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.