Senior Principal Engineer, Systems Engineering; Onsite

Senior Principal Systems Engineer, Systems Engineering - (Onsite)

At RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world's most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace 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.

We are seeking a Senior Principal Systems Engineer to support the design, development, integration, and sustainment of advanced training systems for a military platform. This role focuses on delivering high-fidelity training capabilities that accurately replicate mission systems, enabling aircrew and operators to train effectively in simulated environments.

This position requires: US Government Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Security Clearance Day 1

Onsite:
This is an onsite role supporting our Sterling, VA location.

The ideal candidate brings expert level systems engineering experience, strong knowledge of avionics or mission systems, and the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams in a defense or aerospace environment.

• Lead systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle of training systems, including requirements development, design, integration, test, and sustainment
• Develop and manage system requirements, interface control documents, and verification plans
• Ensure training systems accurately represent aircraft mission systems, including radar, communications, and command & control functions
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and simulation engineers to integrate subsystems into cohesive training solutions
• Support model-based systems engineering (MBSE) activities and maintain system architecture artifacts
• Conduct system-level testing, validation, and verification to ensure performance meets operational needs
• Interface with customers, program managers, and external stakeholders to align technical solutions with mission requirements
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies related to system performance, integration, and delivery
• Support upgrades, modifications, and obsolescence management for existing training systems
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes

• Typically requires a degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience
• Active and transferable U.S. Government DoD Top Secret Security Clearance is required prior to start date
• U.S. Citizen - U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contrac
• Experience with avionics, radar systems, or airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platforms
• Strong understanding of systems engineering lifecycle processes (e.g., requirements, design, integration, V&V)

• 15+ years of experience in systems engineering, preferably in aerospace, defense, or simulation/training systems
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Experience with naval aviation platforms
• Background in simulation and training system development
• Familiarity with real-time systems, distributed simulation or virtual training environments
• Experience with hardware/software integration and lab environments
• Experience with systems modeling tools (e.g., Cameo, DOORS, or similar)
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and standards

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers…