General Dynamics

Senior Principal Systems Lead Engineer

General Dynamics$174K — $183K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in Systems Engineering or related field plus 10 years of experience; or Master's plus 8 years.
  • Ability to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance
  • Proven leadership on complex defense programs
  • Experience with systems integration in autonomy and RF communications
  • Hands-on prototype development management
  • Proficiency in MBSE tools for architecture modeling
  • Experience authoring critical technical documentation.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a multi-discipline engineering team through technical and program meetings.
  • Own the systems engineering lifecycle from requirements analysis to customer deliverables.
  • Manage decomposition and traceability of system requirements across subsystems.
  • Develop and maintain model-based system architecture and interfaces.
  • Coordinate prototype design, fabrication, and testing processes.
  • Oversee hardware/software integration across all subsystems.
  • Lead development of technical documentation for system interfaces and specifications.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance options
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Professional development and training opportunities
  • Relocation assistance when applicable.
Full Job Description
Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.

 

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:Ability to obtain a Department of Defense Secret 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

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in a STEM field and 10+ years of systems engineering experience; or Master's + 8 years.
  • Demonstrated systems engineering leadership on complex, multi-disciplinary defense programs—requirements decomposition, system architecture, interface definition, and driving delivery from design through field demonstration.
  • System-of-Systems integration experience spanning autonomy, RF communications, unmanned vehicles, munitions, sensors, and C2 software.
  • Hands-on prototype development leadership—managing build schedules and driving teams through iterative build-test-learn cycles.
  • Hardware/software integration experience including board-level integration, embedded software deployment, and firmware/software version management.
  • Proficiency with MBSE tools (SysML, Cameo/MagicDraw, or equivalent) for requirements capture, architecture modeling, and ICD generation.
  • Experience authoring ICDs, SSS, System Development Plans, CONOPS documentation, and CDRLs for DoD programs.
  • Ability to lead cross-functional, multi-vendor engineering teams with strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Active DoD Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
  • Willingness to travel up to 25% (event-driven: demonstrations, customer reviews, integration events).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience on munitions, counter-obstacle, or related DoD programs.
  • Autonomous systems experience—UGVs, navigation, perception, and human-machine teaming.
  • RF communications systems experience—SDR, mesh networking, anti-jam, and BLOS integration.
  • Familiarity with AI/ML inference on embedded edge platforms (NVIDIA Jetson/CUDA/TensorRT).
  • Munitions and fuzing systems knowledge—warhead integration, safe-and-arm devices, fire control, and fuze safety (MIL-STD-1316).
  • Experience with MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-882E, and related military standards.
  • Embedded Linux, Jetson/GPU platforms, and real-time embedded software experience.
  • Familiarity with TAK ecosystem, Cursor on Target (CoT) protocols, and battle management system integration.
  • Cybersecurity compliance experience—RMF, NIST SP 800-53, DISA STIGs.
  • Reliability & Maintainability engineering—R&M predictions, FRACAS, FMEA/FMECA.
  • Human-Centered Design (HCD) experience—wireframing, user interface design, operator interaction analysis.
  • Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in the creation of systems engineering artifacts.

Tools & Environment

  • Cameo/MagicDraw (MBSE), Confluence, Jira, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Git, Creo/SolidWorks (CAD review), AWS, WinTAK/GeoSuite, lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers).

Key Responsibilities

  • Technical Leadership: Lead a multi-discipline engineering team through technical, program, and customer meetings. Guide junior engineers, drive integration and test execution, coordinate with subcontractor teams, and remove blockers to maintain schedule momentum.
  • Systems Engineering Lifecycle: Own requirements analysis, system architecture, interface definition, CDRL development, prototype build, integration execution, and customer deliverables across a System-of-Systems encompassing autonomous vehicles, munitions, RF communications, and C2 software.
  • Requirements Management: Decompose, trace, and validate system requirements. Manage customer and derived requirements across all subsystems with bidirectional traceability from requirements through design and verification evidence.
  • System Architecture & MBSE: Develop and maintain a model-based system architecture covering functional, logical, and physical decomposition. Define system interfaces and ensure traceability from requirements through design solutions.
  • Prototype Development: Lead design, fabrication, and iterative build of system and subsystem prototypes. Coordinate hardware procurement, manage lab standup, and drive build-test-learn cycles to rapidly mature system capabilities.
  • Hardware/Software Integration: Oversee HW/SW implementation across all subsystems. Review and approve design decisions, manage firmware/software version baselines, and resolve interface issues during integration.
  • ICD & Technical Documentation: Lead Interface Control Document development for all internal and external interfaces. Author System Development Plans, System/Subsystem Specifications, and Monthly Technical Reports meeting DI-series data item descriptions.
  • Safety & Cybersecurity: Support system safety analysis (FHA, hazard identification, risk assessment) per MIL-STD-882E and review board activities. Contribute to RMF cybersecurity compliance and System Security Plan development.
  • Integration & Test: Drive test case development, procedure reviews, and hands-on integration activities. Lead Problem Review Boards, resolve test discrepancies, and drive knowledge point demonstrations and customer acceptance testing.

 

Workplace Options:This position is fully onsite, remote or Hyvrid/Flex based on candidate qualifications.While on-site, you will be a part of the Ft Wayne, Indiana team. 

Salary NoteThis 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 RangeUSD $174,203.00 - USD $183,730.00 /Yr.

About General Dynamics

General Dynamics is involved in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat vehicles and systems, armaments, and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and mission-critical information systems and technologies. General Dynamics has four main business segments. Aerospace designs, develops, manufacturers and services a comprehensive offering of advanced business-jet aircraft. Combat Systems specializes in producing, supporting and sustaining land and expeditionary combat systems for the U.S. military and its allies. Marine Systems designs, builds and supports submarines and a variety of surface ships for the U.S. Navy and commercial customers. The Information Systems and Technology group offers a breadth and depth of technology and service capabilities that support a wide range of government and commercial needs, including systems integration expertise; hardware and software products; and engineering, management and support services.

General Dynamics Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Dynamics, a leader in global defense, aerospace, and technology services. As a pivotal player in innovation and security, General Dynamics offers unparalleled job opportunities for professionals eager to advance their careers in a cutting-edge environment.

Work You’ll Do

At General Dynamics, we empower our employees to drive innovation and lead with integrity and excellence. With a commitment to professional growth and diversity, our team is at the forefront of developing solutions that make a difference in the world. Whether in engineering, cybersecurity, or project management, your work at General Dynamics will contribute to missions that matter.

Explore Career Paths

General Dynamics is not just a company; it's a community where you can build a career that aligns with your passion and skills. From internships to leadership positions, the breadth of opportunities supports your professional journey at every stage.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation is the status quo. At General Dynamics, you’ll work alongside industry experts to solve complex challenges with cutting-edge technology. Our leadership is committed to fostering a culture of growth and learning, where you can lead projects that explore new frontiers.

Professional Development

Invest in your future with General Dynamics’ robust professional development programs. Enhance your skills through targeted training, workshops, and seminars that propel your expertise and leadership capabilities forward.

Diversity and Inclusion

At General Dynamics, we believe diversity drives innovation. Our inclusive culture welcomes diverse perspectives and ideas, fostering an environment where all employees can thrive. Through diversity training and networking opportunities, we ensure every team member can contribute uniquely and significantly.

Benefits and Culture

Experience a culture that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of its employees. General Dynamics offers competitive benefits, including health care, retirement plans, and flexible working arrangements, to ensure a healthy work-life balance. Our team-oriented culture encourages collaboration and mutual respect, making General Dynamics a great place to work.

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Ready to advance your career at General Dynamics? Explore our current job opportunities and find a position that matches your skills and ambitions. We are continuously hiring talented individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

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Join General Dynamics today and be part of a team that values leadership, innovation, and diversity. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await you in a career at General Dynamics.
Learn more about General Dynamics
Size
103,100 employees
Market Cap
$67.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1952
5 Year Trend
+4.7%
Revenue
$37.9 billion
NASDAQ

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