Principal Systems Engineer

If you want to accelerate your career growth and are passionate about applying your expertise to solve problems of national importance, then we have the job you are looking for! You will be able to achieve your personal and professional goals in a stable environment that emphasizes and rewards the entrepreneurial spirit. Not only will you solve challenging core problems, you’ll grow your career in an exciting environment that promotes teamwork and cross‑training in a wide range of related disciplines.

The successful candidate for this position will have a strong passion for Mission Engineering, campaign analysis, the national security domain, strong software engineering skills, and the ability to generate solutions for customers’ problems. Ideal candidates understand the current strengths and weaknesses in existing MBSE, mission, and campaign software tools and are passionate about improving the systems engineering process to solve real warfighter problems.

You will be a key member of a team that is developing Digital Engineering simulation tools and technologies for the Department of Defense.

The opportunity for career advancement and continued learning at ARA does not stop there. We strive to identify cross‑train opportunities and encourage staff to become involved in upcoming R&D efforts as well as interject new ideas into our longstanding operational programs. At ARA, we foster an environment where technical staff are empowered to research and develop their own ideas – with resources and support from a strong internal technical team and external partners.

You can expect day to day to have flexibility in choosing the level of autonomy suited to you, while at the same time enjoying a challenging technical career with great opportunity for personal growth.

• BS, MS, or PhD in engineering, computer science, operations research, applied mathematics, or a closely related field
• 12+ years of relevant work experience with a BS or 10+ years of relevant work experience with a MS
• Demonstrated experience with at least one modern software development ecosystem (e.g., Python, C++, or Java), and comfortable implementing quick‑turnaround, proof of concept solutions in that ecosystem
• Familiarity with one of the following:
  Systems Modeling Language (SysML), Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE), the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM), or the Synthetic Theater Operations Research Model (STORM)
• Team player with excellent communication skills

Above all, we value passion, a continuous desire to learn, and teamwork. We are confident that if you possess the right attitude, work ethic, and skill set, you will succeed in the role.

• Strong coding skills in a high‑level language (Python, C++, Java)
• Experience with backend web frameworks and RESTful API development
• Experience with commercial MBSE, CAD, or PLM software, especially developing plugins to extend functionality
• Broad understanding of warfare models (engagement, mission analysis, and campaign analysis software)
• Experience providing off‑site and on‑site analytical support to the US Navy
• Familiarity with cloud technologies and platforms (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, AWS)
• Existing DoD security clearance

Masters or better in Systems Engineering or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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