Senior Principal Software Systems Engineer - General Dynamics Mission Systems

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering 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.

ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:

Developing mission-critical systems that help keep people safe is what we do. At General Dynamics Mission Systems, you’ll be part of the team that helps heroes make a true impact. The work we do is important. The challenges we face are career-defining. The opportunity we can offer is one-of-a-kind.

As a Senior Principal Software Systems Engineer, you will provide architectural recommendations and design inputs to a cross functional team that develops complex software systems that support some of our nation’s core defense/intelligence services and systems. General Dynamics Mission Systems employees work closely with esteemed customers to develop solutions that allow them to carry out high-stakes national security missions.

The ideal candidate is a systems engineer with a strong software background and has experience on large solution programs which includes both Hardware and Software. We highly recommend you apply if you have any of the following job experience: Have worked as a Lead SE or Chief Engineer on a complex software system. Or is someone who understands DOD domain/programs well, has a demonstrated capability to think at a Systems Level, and has a growth mindset.

Our Principal Software Systems Engineers typically work in the following areas:

• Lead customer requirements analysis, develop system requirements and define allocations to lower levels (elements and components)
• Perform functional analysis, performance analysis, system design, detail trade studies, systems integration and test, interface definition studies of subsystem or system elements
• Support the generation of technical engineering products by using appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the system development life cycle
• Develop software architecture artifacts that provide a common understanding of the solution behind complex systems to various stakeholders

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES AND TASKS

• Lead all phases of software system development by providing technical strategy, operational concept development, system architecture definition, requirements analysis, use cases, trade studies, and leadership throughout the product lifecycle.
• Participate in new business pursuits by supporting briefings and demonstrations of our capabilities and supporting the proposal development process by preparing solutions, authoring technical content, providing cost estimates, participating in reviews, and helping to deliver the final proposal.
• Be a clear and enthusiastic communicator to customers, users, subcontractors, and cross functional project teams to define, analyze, and meet project goals. You will coordinate across design, development, test, project leadership, program management, and customer representatives, creating a collaborative environment that focuses on the big picture.
• Work towards a high-level vision while also understanding the importance of details. You will proactively identify and mitigate risks and define reasonable trade spaces from which the team can operate.
• Proactively define your own tasks and execute with little oversight. You will accomplish program goals despite obstacles, ambiguity, and changing requirements in a fast-paced environment.
• Apply systems thinking to software, processes, people, and organizations. You will help harden software and processes into mature, mission-critical, “must-work” products.
• Lead reviews of software systems and provide input on software design decisions based on your prior experience and familiarity with the problem domain, similar work, or related technologies.
• Mentor and guide less experienced engineers, because you are motivated to improve our work environment and help others.

Other Beneficial Experience:

• Experience working with, or familiarity with public (AWS, Azure), private (RHOSP, VIO), and mixed cloud environments
• Platform as a Service (PaaS) technologies such as Identify and Access Management, Kubernetes, Rancher, Docker, or OpenShift
• Cloud automation tooling such as Ansible, Terraform, Terragrunt, or Packer
• Use of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to document and support system requirements, design, and analysis.
• Experience or familiarity with cyber security practices such as encryption, certificate/key management, patch management, STIG, RMF, or security hardening, and auditing
• Multi-level security domain expertise (and cross-domain)
• Experience or familiarity with DevOps concepts and practices

What sets you apart:

• Creative thinker with demonstrated success leading the systems development life cycle
• Collaborative team player eager to provide technical leadership and position others for success
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and influence management skills, with notable record of securing buy-in on concepts and ideas
• Experienced in the art of negotiation with ability to meet challenging customer requirements with win-win solutions
• Commitment to ongoing professional development for yourself and others

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 located in Pittsburgh PA. On site work is required and Hybrid/Flex work schedule is permitted

#LI-Hybrid

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.
USD $174,553.60 - USD $193,645.40 /Yr.

At General Dynamics Mission Systems, we rise to the challenge each day to ensure the safety of those that lead, serve, and protect the world we live in. We do this by making the world’s most advanced defense platforms even smarter. Our engineers redefine what’s possible and our manufacturing team brings it to life, building the brains behind the brawn on submarines, ships, combat vehicles, aircraft, satellites, and other advanced systems.

We pride ourselves in being a great place to work with this shared sense of purpose, committed to a diverse and exciting employee experience that drives innovation and creates a community where all feel welcome and a part of something amazing.

We offer highly competitive benefits and a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. To see more about our benefits, visit

Dynamics is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that is committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. EOE/Disability/Veteran