Our client is seeking a strategic and technically adept Principal Systems Engineer, Special Programs to join their team to drive the technical architecture and execution of strategic programs for the company. In this role, you will lead the technical formulation, requirements definition, and technical execution of highly engineered hardware and software systems (space, ground and other domains) to complement the standard company's capabilities.Base Salary Range: $170,000 - $240,000 annually plus annual bonusLocation: This position is based in Herndon, Virginia.Responsibilities:Work closely with customers, sales, solutions, engineering, and exec team to define technical concepts for highly disruptive new programs.Develop and maintain system architectures, concept of operations, system-level analyses and functionality allocation to physical and software implementations. Perform detailed trade studies, ensuring mission perspective and analysis is integrated into trade criteriaLead the technical development, testing, and integration of hardware & software systems, coordinating with the Engineering teams to ensure the integrated system works and meets customer mission needsSupport the Program Manager in the execution of the strategic programsBuild a robust capability for systems engineering / analysis and complex program development, to include people, processes and toolsServe as the primary technical point of contact for customers, stakeholders, and internal teamsRequirements:Bachelor’s degree in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline) or equivalent experienceMust have an active DoD Top Secret clearance.15+ years of prior experience as a Systems Engineer managing complex system development projects within the aerospace or defense industry, including RF hardware design, development, fabrication, and test.Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface with senior management, customers, and technical teamsDeep technical understanding of space systems, ground systems, RF signal processing (hardware and algorithms)Strong background in Systems Engineering, including developing concepts, requirements, CONOPs, ICDs, Systems Analyses, system test & verification, and running formal design reviewsDemonstrated ability to technically lead development resources in program formulation & executionDesirable:​Masters or PhD in engineering (software, computer, electrical, aerospace, mechanical, or other technical engineering discipline)Experience developing SIGINT systems (hardware, software, processing C2)