Sr Principal Systems Engineer

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Sr. Principal Systems Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems used in defense applications. The ideal candidate is a technical leader with deep experience in system architecture, requirements development, and cross-discipline coordination within a classified or ITAR-controlled environment.

• Lead the architecture, design, and integration of EO/IR sensors and subsystems for land, air, or maritime platforms.
• Define and manage system-level requirements
  , specifications, and interfaces.
• Oversee hardware and software integration
  , ensuring performance, reliability, and compliance with design-to-cost objectives.
• Conduct and lead technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and coordinate with customers on design and performance updates.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to multi-disciplinary teams, including optics, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers.
• Collaborate with program management, quality, and manufacturing to ensure successful system deployment and production readiness.
• Evaluate and select sensor components, subsystems, and suppliers
  ; support prototype development and test activities.
• Participate in proposal and capture efforts
  , contributing to technical volumes, cost estimates, and design concepts.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including customers and suppliers.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Systems, Optical, or related Engineering field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in systems engineering or a related discipline within the defense or aerospace industry.
• Proven experience with EO/IR systems
  , including imaging sensors, laser systems, targeting pods, or similar technologies.
• Strong understanding of systems architecture, requirements management, integration, and verification
  .
• Ability to lead complex technical projects from concept through production.
• Demonstrated experience interfacing with customers, suppliers, and program leadership
  .
• U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain or maintain a DoD clearance.

• Experience with DOORS, Cameo, SysML
  , or similar requirements and modeling tools.
• Knowledge of MIL-STD environments and DoD program lifecycle.
• Hands-on experience with integration, testing, or troubleshooting of optical systems.
• Previous leadership in proposal development or new business capture
  .
• Active Secret or higher clearance strongly preferred.

• Work on cutting-edge EO/IR defense technologies supporting mission-critical applications.
• Be part of a collaborative, high-impact engineering team driving innovation in sensor systems.
• Opportunity for career growth, technical leadership, and long-term program impact
  .

Position Title: Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Electro-Optical / Infrared (EO/IR)

Location: Melbourne, FL

Employment Type: Direct, Full-Time Hire

Clearance: U.S. Citizenship required

Relocation: Relocation package is available

Salary Range: $140,000 - $200,000 DOE

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider—we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field
• Minimum of 10 years of experience

What sets you apart

• Knowledge and significant experience in Electro-Optics and Infrared Systems
• Ability to lead major problem resolution efforts and support regaining or attaining customer partner status
• Mastery of technologies
• Domain knowledge

• Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check and a drug screen.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• Successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret/Top Secret DoD security clearance.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

Aleron and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.