Principal Systems Engineer

Position Overview SET Development is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to support a high-impact satellite program with a leading aerospace client. This role focuses on end-to-end spacecraft systems engineering , with emphasis on avionics integration and full lifecycle development . You will operate as a senior technical contributor with ownership across requirements, system design, verification, and integration , supporting complex satellite platforms and mission architectures. Key Responsibilities Systems Engineering (Primary Focus – ~75%) Lead requirements development, decomposition, and flowdown Perform system architecture design and trade studies Develop and execute verification & validation strategies Conduct systems analysis (FMEA, reliability, technical budgets, critical items) Drive cross-functional integration across subsystems: Avionics / flight software Power systems Communications GNC / navigation Support full lifecycle execution (concept → design → integration → test → operations) Contribute to spacecraft, payload, or mission-level engineering activities Roadmap & Product Development (~15%) Support spacecraft product roadmap planning Contribute to platform reuse strategies and cost optimization Assist in customization strategies for mission-specific configurations Additional Contributions (~10%) Mentor junior engineers and support engineering best practices Contribute to process improvement and engineering standardization Support long-term program scalability and delivery execution Required Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in STEM required Master’s degree preferred Experience 15+ years (BS) or 12+ years (MS) in aerospace systems engineering Proven experience across full spacecraft lifecycle development Technical Capabilities Strong experience in: Requirements engineering & verification (RTMs, V&V) System architecture and trade studies Spacecraft subsystems (avionics, power, comms, GNC, C&DH) Familiarity with: DOORS (or equivalent requirements tools) MBSE / SysML Mission architecture (launch, CONOPS, operations) Experience with: Reliability, safety, maintainability, and system-level analysis Ability to operate autonomously in complex, cross-functional environments Additional Requirements U.S. Citizenship required Ability to obtain (or hold) DoD Secret clearance or higher Willingness to travel up to ~20% (including occasional international)