Senior Principal Systems Engineer – Test Lead; ONSITE

Date Posted:  Country:
United States of America

Location:

US-CA-FULLERTON-676 ~ 1801 Hughes Dr ~ BLDG 676 Position Role Type:
Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Security Clearance Type:
DoD Clearance:
Secret Security Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required after day 1 Raytheon Company, Managed by Collins Aerospace Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Collins Aerospace is looking for an experienced Senior Principal Systems Engineer - Test Lead who is passionate about solving complex problems and wants to make a real impact on the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) and adjacent programs. In this role, you will be leading all system-level test planning, coordination, execution, and reporting activities for the JPALS program. This role is responsible for ensuring successful verification of complex, safety‑critical, integrated hardware/software systems used in demanding operational environments.

The Test Lead works closely with systems engineering, software, hardware, specialty engineering, flight test organizations, and government stakeholders.

• Serve as the primary technical leader for all developmental, integration, flight, and operational test activities for the JPALS program
• Develop detailed test plans, procedures, schedules, and data collection strategies for laboratory, field, and shipboard testing
• Lead multidisciplinary test teams, coordinating efforts across engineering, operations, manufacturing, and subcontractor partners
• Manage test readiness reviews, safety reviews, range coordination, and instrumentation planning
• Oversee execution of complex test events, ensuring adherence to safety, configuration control, and program requirements
• Rapidly assess issues discovered during testing, drive root-cause analysis, and coordinate resolution paths with engineering teams
• Maintain traceability of verification activities to system requirements, ensuring complete, compliant, and well-documented evidence
• Prepare and deliver clear reports, briefings, and formal documentation for internal leadership and customer stakeholders

• Extensive experience in systems engineering and system-level test for complex, multi‑subsystem mission systems
• Expertise across the full system test lifecycle, including test planning, requirements analysis/traceability, environment development, procedure creation, execution, reporting, and certification
• Proven leadership of test activities for aerospace or defense programs, including flight or shipboard test environments and platform integration considerations
• Strong knowledge of MIL‑STD testing and verification/validation practices for mission systems
• Ability to interpret and manage requirements, interface control documents, CONOPS, technical specifications, TRDs, and verification matrices
• Skilled in coordinating with government stakeholders, range personnel, and operational units; proficient with Digital Engineering tools (DOORS, Cameo, Jira, Confluence, Microsoft Office)
• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience