Principal Systems Engineer-Defense
Salary$144k – $190k
LocationUS-VA-Ashburn
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityLead
Experience10+ yrs
EquityIncluded
Company size10,000+ people
PostedSep 25, 2026 · 2w ago
Verified live1d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
10 plus years of experience at US DoD Primes or at a company that directly supports them
Knowledge of system hardware/software development, integration and test for deployed military vehicle applications
Exceptional problem solving skills
Expert knowledge of the systems engineering tools DOORS and Cameo
Working knowledge of engineering development tools like Clearquest, JIRA, and Rational Development Tools
Ability to operate and debug Linux and VxWorks based computing systems
Solid understanding of SOSA and VPX system design standards
Solid understanding of serial communication protocols such as MIL-STD-1553, RS422, RS485, RS232, 10G and 100G Gigabit Ethernet, PCIe, USB
Solid understanding of the latest processing and graphics solutions
Excellent troubleshooting skills of rugged computing systems
Ability to lead in a team environment
Ability to drive clarity to ambiguous requests or requirements
Ability to work well in a fast-paced professional office environment
Experience with Microsoft Office including Word Excel, PowerPoint and Project
Experience conducting System Safety Assessment, Functional Hazard assessment and Failure Mode Effects Analysis is a plus
Previous experience in RTCA/DO-254/DO-178 processes and FAA Certification is a plus
BS Computer Science, BS Software Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering preferred
This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening
Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer
Skills
DOORS
Cameo
Clearquest
JIRA
Rational Development Tools
Linux
VxWorks
SOSA
VPX
MIL-STD-1553
RS422
RS485
RS232
10G Gigabit Ethernet
100G Gigabit Ethernet
PCIe
USB
Microsoft Office
Word
Excel
PowerPoint
Project
Benefits
PTO
401(k)
Health insurance
Employee stock purchase plan
Principal Systems Engineer-Defense
About the role
We are growing and looking for a Principal Systems Engineer to join our team!
As our Principal Systems Engineer, you will be an industry-recognized expert in an engineering discipline or specialty area. You will have created or significantly changed technology over at least a decade of time and continue to lead the business’ technical growth.
Location: Ashburn, VA
Salary Range:$ 144,100.00 - 190,000.00 per year plus bonus
Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in New Hampshire. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.
We Take Care of Our People
Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture
Salary Range: $ 144,100.00 - 190,000.00 per year plus bonus
Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in Virginia. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.
Your Challenge:
•
Leading large technical teams to meet complex customer requirements
•
Representing the company as the technical expert to customers, suppliers, and CW management
•
Synthesizing requirements into the lowest risk solution available
•
Producing technical documentation to adequately describe CW’s solution to both the customer and the engineering team
•
Providing technical guidance to cross functional teams
•
Reporting technical status and way forward to varied audiences
•
Recommending training to enhance team development
•
Evaluating technical performance and potential to individual performers and job applicants; assuming technical responsibility for the performance of the teams in his/her charge
What You Bring:
•
10 plus years of experience at US DoD Primes or at a company that directly supports them.
•
Knowledge of system hardware/software development, integration and test for deployed military vehicle applications
•
Exceptional problem solving skills
•
Expert knowledge of the systems engineering tools DOORS and Cameo
•
Working knowledge of engineering development tools like Clearquest, JIRA, and Rational Development Tools
•
Ability to operate and debug Linux and VxWorks based computing systems
•
Solid understanding of SOSA and VPX system design standards
•
Solid understanding of serial communication protocols such as MIL-STD-1553, RS422, RS485, RS232, 10G and 100G Gigabit Ethernet, PCIe, USB
•
Solid understanding of the latest processing and graphics solutions
•
Excellent troubleshooting skills of rugged computing systems
•
Ability to lead in a team environment
•
Ability to drive clarity to ambiguous requests or requirements
•
Ability to work well in a fast-paced professional office environment
•
Experience conducting System Safety Assessment, Functional Hazard assessment and Failure Mode Effects Analysis is a plus
•
Previous experience in RTCA/DO-254/DO-178 processes and FAA Certification is a plus
•
Experience with Microsoft Office including Word Excel, PowerPoint and Project
•
BS Computer Science, BS Software Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering preferred
Who We Are:
Our Values
Environmental, Social and Governance
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solution division is a trusted, proven leader, delivering superior products and services that meet the defense and aerospace industries’ toughest challenges with best-in-class value. Our solutions address air, ground, and naval defense applications, and are focused on growth segments with a high demand for advanced technology, enhanced safety, security, and performance. As a leading Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) solutions supplier for battlefield platforms and communication systems, we are uniquely positioned to benefit from the DoD’s commitment to maintaining technological superiority on the battlefield.
To learn more visit: https://www.curtisswrightds.com/
Hiring process
No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.
Compliance Statement
This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.
Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.
For US Applicants: EEO is The Law – click here for more information.
If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.