Principal Systems Engineer - Onsite

Date Posted: 2026-09-16 Country: United States of America Location: US-VA-STERLING-291 ~ 22640 Davis Dr ~ DAVIS Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​ Security Clearance Type: Secret - Current Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required on day 1 Principal Systems Engineer - Onsite At RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. Role Description:    As our next Principal Systems Engineer you will be integral to the to the design, development, integration, and sustainment of advanced training systems for military platforms. This role enables the delivery of high-fidelity training capabilities that accurately replicate mission systems, enabling aircrew and operators to train effectively in simulated environments.  The ideal candidate brings systems engineering experience, a strong knowledge of avionics, mission systems or autonomous systems, and the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams in a defense or aerospace environment.  This position requires: US Government Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Security Clearance Day 1 .   Onsite: This is an onsite role supporting our Sterling, VA location. Sign-on Bonus Eligible What YOU will do:   Be the focal point for systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle of training systems, including requirements development, design, integration, test, and sustainment Interface with customers, program managers, and internal stakeholders to align technical solutions with mission requirements  Ensure training systems accurately represent aircraft mission systems, including radar, communications, and command & control functions  Collaborate with software, hardware, and simulation engineers to integrate subsystems into cohesive training solutions  Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies related to system performance, integration, and delivery  Support upgrades, modifications, and obsolescence management for existing training systems  Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes ​ Qualifications You Must Have:  Experience with capture, analysis and decomposition of System requirements   Understanding of the Product Development Lifecycle – from CONOPS to Sustainment Must have experience with Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) design tools (Enterprise Architect, Cameo, or equivalent) using SysML Ability to work in a classified environment and obtain/maintain required security clearance  Strong communication and collaboration skills. Requires on-site presence in a classified lab space. Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience Active and transferable U.S. Government DoD Secret Security Clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Qualifications We Prefer: Background in simulation and training system development Experience working in a SAFe Agile environment Familiarity with real-time systems, distributed simulation or virtual training environments  Experience with hardware/software integration and lab environments Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and standards  What We Offer: Some of our competitive benefits package includes:    Medical, dental, and vision insurance   Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees   Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option   Tuition reimbursement program  Student Loan Repayment Program   Life insurance and disability coverage   Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection  Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits  Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning   Adoption Assistance            Autism Benefit   Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions   Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program  Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits   Bright Horizons, child and elder care services  Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program   Eligible for relocation assistance And more!   Learn More & Apply Now! Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you’ll have your own critical part to play in