Principal Systems Engineer

Overview

Join to apply for the Principal Systems Engineer role at II-VI Aerospace & Defense
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Base pay range: $/yr - $/yr
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This role at Coherent Aerospace & Defense Inc, Emerging Products & Technologies (EP&T) Business Unit focuses on evaluating and implementing solutions for design, integration, test, and troubleshooting of complex, high precision gimbals. The successful candidate will have expertise in system architecture, requirement development, mechanical and electrical engineering, software integration, and quantitative data analysis. The role involves leading projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and providing technical leadership throughout the system lifecycle.

Knowledge of non-gimballed systems (e.g., laser systems) is also relevant.

• Systems Engineering
• System Requirements:
  Define and ensure compliance with system requirements for the integration of sub-systems and components into a larger system. Maintain requirements database with bi-directional traceability and verification information.
• System Architecture & Design:
  Architect, design, and document systems, including interfaces and operational characteristics.
• Integration &
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work with mechanical, electrical, optical and software engineers to integrate assemblies and identify interface needs across subsystems and architecture domains (mechanical, electrical, optical, controls).
• Control Systems:
  Analyze and ensure control algorithms for stabilization, high-precision motion control, actuation and tracking using tools like MATLAB/Simulink to meet motion control requirements.
• Sensor Integration:
  Integrate and fuse data from sensors (e.g., IMUs and encoders) to estimate system state.
• Testing & Verification:
  Support test plans and procedures and analyze test data to verify performance and identify root causes of failures.
• Troubleshooting:
  Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during development, manufacturing, and testing phases.
• Technical Guidance:
  Provide technical guidance and mentorship to cross-disciplinary engineers on system-level design and integration considerations.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline with 9+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s with 7+ years, or PhD with 4 years of experience.
• Prior experience in systems engineering of high-precision gimbals is necessary; experience with non-gimballed systems (e.g., laser systems) is highly desirable.

• Strong knowledge of mechanical design principles, control systems, and electro-optical technologies relevant to laser systems and gimballed optical systems.
• Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and practices is a plus.
• Optical test and verification methods; problem-solving for complex systems.
• Understanding of cable and harness workmanship and EMI suppression techniques.
• Knowledge of thermal, mechanical, vibration, and shock effects on optical systems.
• Knowledge of reliability and performance factors across environments (air, sea, land, space).
• Mechanical design and GD&T; proficiency with CAD, FEA, MATLAB, etc.
• Vendor/sub-contract oversight including optics, mechanics, tooling, coatings, and software.
• Ability to analyze feasibility of new projects and communicate findings.

• Professional office environment, manufacturing floor, and clean room facilities.
• Work in an environment where colleagues may be on calls; standard office equipment used.
• Moderate noise on manufacturing floor and clean room facilities.

• Standing for sustained periods (approximately 25%), walking, talking, hearing, lifting up to 10-15 pounds, and sedentary work as needed.
• Close vision and ability to adjust focus.

• Follow site EHS procedures and Coherent A&D EHS standards.
• May be responsible for ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and related standards depending on location.
• Adhere to company values (ICARE):
  Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Enthusiasm.
• Export control:
  This role involves access to technology subject to U.S. export laws; candidates must be a U.S. Person or eligible for authorization.
• Must be eligible for and able to obtain/maintain a U.S. Government Security Secret Clearance (or higher if required).

II-VI Aerospace & Defense is a high-technology company with offices in multiple states, working on atmospheric sensing and imaging, adaptive optics, optical communications, coherent beam combining, and related areas. We offer competitive salary and benefits and opportunities for career advancement.