Senior Principal Systems Engineer

Basic Qualifications

Clearance Requirements:

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering, Technology or Mathematics field. Also requires 10+ years of job-related experience, or a Master's degree plus 8 years of job-related experience. Agile experience preferred.  

 

Clearance Requirements:

Ability to obtain a Department of Defense TS/SCI security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position

ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:

RELOCATION PACKAGE AVAILABLESIGN-ON BONUS AVAILABLEAs Space Command & Control System Software Systems Engineer, you’ll join a cross functional team supporting our nation's missile defense initiatives.

 

Seeking an experienced Software Systems Engineer to design and develop mission-critical space command and control systems. The ideal candidate will architect scalable, secure solutions leveraging cloud-native technologies, modern software design principles, and model-based systems engineering approaches.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement software architectures for space C2 systems following enterprise design patterns and best practices
• Develop system models using MBSE methodologies to ensure requirements traceability and system coherence
• Develop and optimize distributed systems using message-driven architectures
• Architect cloud-based solutions in AWS GovCloud environments at IL4/5/6 classification levels
• Implement and manage service mesh architectures for microservices communication and security
• Lead container orchestration and microservices deployment strategies
• Design and optimize database schemas for high-performance mission systems

Technical Skills Required

• Cloud Platforms: Hands-on experience with AWS GovCloud services at IL 4/5/6
• Software Design: Strong foundation in design patterns, SOLID principles, and enterprise architecture frameworks
• MBSE Tools: Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering using MagicDraw or similar tools (Cameo Systems Modeler, Rhapsody)
• Service Mesh: Proficiency with Istio or similar service mesh technologies (Linkerd, Consul)
• Message Systems: Proficiency with Apache Kafka, message bus architectures, and event-driven design
• Caching Solutions: Experience with Redis/Valkey for in-memory data optimization
• Database Design: Expertise in relational and NoSQL database design and optimization
• Container Orchestration: Production experience with Kubernetes and cloud-native architectures
• Programming: Proficiency in modern languages (Java, Python, Go, or similar)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with space systems or satellite ground segments
• Knowledge of SysML and systems modeling standards
• Understanding of zero-trust architecture and mTLS implementations
• Knowledge of DevSecOps practices and CI/CD pipelines
• Familiarity with DoD security requirements and compliance frameworks

 

Our Commitment to You:

• An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
• Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security
• Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
• Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
• See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

 

Workplace Options:This position is fully remote/telework, fully on-site, OR Hybrid/Flex.If on-site, you will be a part of the Pittsburgh or Scottsdale offices.

Salary Note

This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Combined Salary Range

USD $183,371.00 - USD $203,428.00 /Yr.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partne