Principal Product Engineer

Principal Product Engineer

Location: Huntsville, AL, US, 35808

Job ID:114864

The Leonardo DRS Land Electronics business provides C4I Network computing and integrated situational awareness, as well as state-of-the-art embedded diagnostics, vehicle power management and combat vehicle integration products and services.

Our Mission

At Leonardo DRS Land Electronics, we build rugged, cutting-edge electronic systems that keep our warfighters connected, protected, and dominant on every battlefield. From advanced vehicle electronics and power management to tactical communications and sensor integration, our gear is engineered for the harshest environments – and the highest stakes. We move fast, innovate relentlessly, and deliver solutions that turn technology into tactical advantage. Join us and own the edge where innovation meets mission.

Job Summary

As a Principal Product Engineer, you'll be the technical anchor for one of our most demanding projects, moving fluidly between electrical design, system integration, qualification, and production floor support while owning engineering execution from concept through delivery and sustainment. You'll participate in complex product development across the lifecycle, from requirements, architecture, design implementation, and verification through production transition, field support, and obsolescence management, all while keeping cost, schedule, and design intent locked in alignment. This is a role built for someone who's done the time in the trenches and is ready to lead from the front, guiding engineers through hard calls, partnering across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, program management, and customers, and shaping not just a product, but the people and process behind it.

Essential Functions

• Serve as the go-to subject matter expert when engineering meets the production floor, resolving build, test, and process issues in real time to keep lines running.
• Lead clear, confident communication across manufacturing, supply chain, program management, quality, and the customer.
• Shape high-stakes proposals, bringing technical credibility to the pursuit of new and complex work.
• Flex across design and production priorities as needed, partnering with management, engineers, technicians, and support staff to solve problems and keep programs moving.
• Mentor less experienced engineers, building bench strength and technical depth across the team.
• Guide technical teams in meeting program objectives, providing direction on analysis, documentation, test support, and risk reduction activities.
• Support qualification testing, conformance inspection, design verification, and formal validation efforts to ensure product readiness and compliance.
• Drive product transition into production in partnership with NPI, Manufacturing, Assembly and Test, and Operations teams, including support for LRIP and FRP readiness.
• Lead root cause investigations, failure analysis, Failure Review Board activities, and corrective actions for product, supplier, and field issues.
• Manage engineering changes, obsolescence analysis, alternate part identification, and redesign efforts required to maintain product performance and continuity of supply.
• Represent product engineering objectives and status in engineering, customer, and business meetings, acting as a trusted technical voice with internal and external stakeholders.
• Partner with Program Management, Contracts, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance to resolve customer issues, RMA-related matters, and supplier technical concerns.
• Support product retirement and disposal activities in accordance with program and regulatory requirements.
• Reinforce the organization's mission, values, and culture in all aspects of work.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (or higher) in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field, plus a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated mastery of core engineering technologies and domain expertise relevant to complex system design, product development, and defense-related environments.
• Broad technical range across multiple engineering disciplines with the ability to independently lead technical teams and direct the work of other engineers as required.
• Experience with product development across analysis, design, integration, test, qualification, production transition, and sustainment.
• Strong track record of communicating clearly and persuasively with customers, program management, suppliers, and cross-functional partners.
• Experience contributing to or leading complex technical proposals in a competitive environment.
• Working knowledge of Design for Manufacturability, Design for Testability, and Design for Excellence methodologies

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a formal or informal engineering leadership role on defense or aerospace programs.
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, customer specifications, and program reviews.
• Experience mentoring or developing junior and mid-level engineers.
• Experience supporting supplier selection, component evaluation, and external technical services.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. #LEL

Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

• Integrity
• Agility
• Excellence
• Customer Focus
• Community & Respect
• Innovation

We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.