Principal Systems Engineer - SEIT

Summary of Position:

The Principal Systems Engineer – Integration & Test (SEIT) will serve as the technical authority for the design, validation, calibration, and certification of test equipment used in satellite system testing. This role ensures that all racks, fixtures, and automation frameworks are trustworthy, standards-compliant, and customer-ready before being deployed for satellite hardware validation.

Essential Functions:

•    Responsible the architecture and systems engineering of test equipment across electrical, mechanical, and software domains.

•    Develop and approve Verification & Validation (V&V) plans for test systems, including Planning Level Procedures (PLPs), Detailed Test Procedures (DTPs), and Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs).

•    Ensure compliance of test methods and equipment with MIL-STD-461, RTCA DO-160, NASA, and customer specifications.

•    Lead trial-run trial run testing, calibration, and acceptance of racks and fixtures prior to customer use.

•    Conduct root-cause analysis of anomalies within test equipment performance, separating instrumentation vs. UUT issues.

•    Act as the senior customer-facing technical representative on test equipment readiness.

•    Mentor junior engineers and technicians; set standards for documentation, calibration, and configuration control.

•    Drive supplier technical evaluations for third-party instrumentation and fixtures.

•    Oversee configuration management, traceability, and auditability of all test equipment assets.

•    Champion lab safety, quality, and compliance.

Competencies:

1.    Ensures Accountability

2.    Tech Savvy

3.    Communicates Effectively

4.    Values Differences

5.    Customer Focus

6.    Resourcefulness

7.    Drives Results

8.    Plans and Prioritizes

9.    Decision Quality

10.    Self-Development

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee in this position frequently communicates with other co-workers/clients who have inquiries about the various projects and other needs.  Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.  The employee must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time.  The employee in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.  Constantly operate a computer and office machinery such as a calculator, keyboard, copy machine, and printer.  Frequently moves boxes with equipment weighing up to 25lbs across the building and/or to other offsite buildings for various project needs.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Electronics, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering

10+ years aerospace/avionics/satellite I&T experience

Qualifications:

•    Deep experience in V&V planning and execution for test systems.

•    Familiarity with MIL-STD-461, DO-160, NASA SE standards.

•    Hands-on experience integrating test racks, instrumentation, and automation.

Preferred Qualifications

•    Master’s degree in Engineering or Systems discipline.

•    Prior Principal Engineer, SEIT Lead, or Chief Engineer role.

•    Familiarity with HIL automation frameworks.

Other Requirements

•    Onsite in Redmond, WA; lab presence required.

•    Occasional travel (≤10%).

AAP/EEO Statement:

3MD Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, sex, age, race and color, religion, marital status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other category that is protected by applicable law.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may cha