Principal Systems Engineer

Overview/ Job Responsibilities

Position is contingent upon contract award and funding.

Entarian is seeking an experienced Principal Systems Engineer with experience in systems engineering, engineering oversight, and acquisition of sensor or mission systems to support the Chief Architect. The Principal Systems Integrator is responsible for coordinating, integrating, and supporting complex technical systems across multiple platforms, engineering disciplines, contractors, and government stakeholders. This role ensures that hardware, software, communications, cloud, cybersecurity, and mission systems are integrated into a cohesive architecture that supports program objectives and operational requirements. The Principal Systems Integrator serves as a trusted technical advisor to the Chief Architect and collaborates closely with engineering teams, program management, cybersecurity personnel, mission partners, and external contractors to resolve technical issues, assess architectural impacts, and support informed technical decision-making.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Provide technical recommendations through engineering reviews, technical studies, independent assessments, audits, evaluations, trade studies, and analyses supporting system architecture and acquisition decisions.
• Develop, review, and contribute to system engineering documentation including System Requirements Documents (SRDs), Capability Development Documents (CDDs), Capability Production Documents (CPDs), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), Concept of Operations (CONOPS), system specifications, verification plans, and test and acceptance documentation.
• Support the Chief Architect in evaluating technical solutions, architectural alternatives, system interoperability, and capability trade-offs across the system lifecycle.
• Coordinate with government organizations, prime contractors, depot contractors, and support contractors to resolve complex technical issues, interface discrepancies, and system deficiencies.
• Support development and execution of system integration strategies, integration plans, verification activities, test procedures, and operational transition planning.
• Evaluate proposed engineering changes, technology insertion efforts, and modernization initiatives to ensure compatibility with existing architectures and mission objectives.
• Identify, assess, and help mitigate technical, integration, cybersecurity, schedule, and sustainment risks through proactive engineering analysis and risk reduction strategies.
• Support technical reviews, engineering working groups, architecture discussions, and design reviews throughout program execution.
• Produce high-quality technical documentation including engineering reports, white papers, architecture recommendations, briefing materials, and technical analyses supporting executive-level decision making.
• Apply systems engineering principles, campaign analysis, mission thread analysis, and systems design methodologies to evaluate mission impacts, performance trade-offs, and operational effectiveness.
• Maintain technical baselines, support requirements traceability, and ensure alignment between system requirements, architecture products, and implementation activities.

Salary range: $140,000.00 - $171,000.00

Minimum Qualifications

• Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Minimum ten (10) years of experience supporting complex defense, space, communications, information technology, intelligence, or mission operations programs.
• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum ten (10) years of systems engineering, systems integration, or technical architecture experience supporting defense or space systems.
• Demonstrated experience supporting system architecture, systems design, campaign analysis, technical assessments, and technical documentation.
• Experience supporting system integration activities across multiple engineering disciplines and organizations.
• Experience developing and reviewing engineering documentation, requirements, interface specifications, and verification artifacts.
• Working knowledge of systems engineering lifecycle processes, requirements management, interface management, and risk management.
• Proficiency with JIRA and Confluence for requirements management, task tracking, and technical documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present technical briefings to senior government leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project, and Outlook.
• Ability to travel approximately 25% to support customer locations, mission partner engagements, technical reviews, and operational activities.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in systems engineering or related field.
• Exposure to commercial and non-traditional sensors and associated data.
• Software development experience (C++, Python, or similar) supporting mission systems or modeling/simulation.

About Us

Formed through the strategic union of Sev1Tech and ERT, Entarian is a premier provider of mission-critical engineering and technology solutions. Founded on a legacy of excellence dating back to 1993, Entarian is a product of an evolved and fully diversified engineering and federal technology leader. From deep space to defense and civilian missions, Entarian delivers secure, mission-aligned digital solutions that drive national resilience and operational effectiveness. We don't just support modernization; we define it.

Join the Mission and Start your Career Journey: Apply Directly via our Careers Portal Connect, Referrals & Inquiries? Email the team: View email address on click.appcast.io

Entarian is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.