Senior Principal Engineer, Systems Engineering (Onsite)

Date Posted: 2026-07-16 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 Senior Principal Engineer, Systems Engineering - (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. We are seeking a Senior Principal Systems Engineer to support the design, development, integration, and sustainment of advanced training systems for a military platform. This role focuses on delivering high-fidelity training capabilities that accurately replicate mission systems, enabling aircrew and operators to train effectively in simulated environments.  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. Role Description:    The ideal candidate brings expert level systems engineering experience, strong knowledge of avionics or mission systems, and the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams in a defense or aerospace environment.  What YOU will do:   Lead systems engineering activities across the full lifecycle of training systems, including requirements development, design, integration, test, and sustainment  Develop and manage system requirements, interface control documents, and verification plans  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  Support model-based systems engineering (MBSE) activities and maintain system architecture artifacts  Conduct system-level testing, validation, and verification to ensure performance meets operational needs  Interface with customers, program managers, and external stakeholders to align technical solutions with mission requirements  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:  Typically requires a degree in S ystems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience Active and transferable U.S. Government DoD Top Secret Security Clearance is required prior to start date U.S. Citizen - U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contrac Experience with avionics, radar systems, or airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platforms  Strong understanding of systems engineering lifecycle processes (e.g., requirements, design, integration, V&V) ​ Qualifications We Prefer: 15+ years of experience in systems engineering, preferably in aerospace, defense, or simulation/training systems  Strong communication and collaboration skills  Experience with naval aviation platforms  Background in simulation and training system development  Familiarity with real-time systems, distributed simulation or virtual training environments  Experience with hardware/software integration and lab environments  Experience with systems modeling tools (e.g., Cameo, DOORS, or similar)  Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes and standards  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 ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today. 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 As