Principal Systems Engineer

SET Development is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to support a high-impact satellite program with a leading aerospace client.

This role focuses on end-to-end spacecraft systems engineering , with emphasis on avionics integration and full lifecycle development .

You will operate as a senior technical contributor with ownership across requirements, system design, verification, and integration , supporting complex satellite platforms and mission architectures.

Systems Engineering (Primary Focus – ~75%)

• Lead requirements development, decomposition, and flowdown
• Perform system architecture design and trade studies
• Develop and execute verification & validation strategies
• Conduct systems analysis (FMEA, reliability, technical budgets, critical items)
• Drive cross-functional integration across subsystems: Avionics / flight software Power systems Communications GNC / navigation
• Avionics / flight software
• Power systems
• Communications
• GNC / navigation
• Support full lifecycle execution (concept → design → integration → test → operations)
• Contribute to spacecraft, payload, or mission-level engineering activities

• Support spacecraft product roadmap planning
• Contribute to platform reuse strategies and cost optimization
• Assist in customization strategies for mission-specific configurations

• Mentor junior engineers and support engineering best practices
• Contribute to process improvement and engineering standardization
• Support long-term program scalability and delivery execution

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM required
• Master’s degree preferred

• 15+ years (BS) or 12+ years (MS) in aerospace systems engineering
• Proven experience across full spacecraft lifecycle development

• Strong experience in: Requirements engineering & verification (RTMs, V&V) System architecture and trade studies Spacecraft subsystems (avionics, power, comms, GNC, C&DH)
• Requirements engineering & verification (RTMs, V&V)
• System architecture and trade studies
• Spacecraft subsystems (avionics, power, comms, GNC, C&DH)
• Familiarity with: DOORS (or equivalent requirements tools) MBSE / SysML Mission architecture (launch, CONOPS, operations)
• DOORS (or equivalent requirements tools)

• Mission architecture (launch, CONOPS, operations)
• Experience with: Reliability, safety, maintainability, and system-level analysis
• Reliability, safety, maintainability, and system-level analysis
• Ability to operate autonomously in complex, cross-functional environments

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Ability to obtain (or hold) DoD Secret clearance or higher
• Willingness to travel up to ~20% (including occasional international)