Demo

Principal Systems Engineer (DoD systems)

Jobs via Dice
San Diego, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/29/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/26/2026
RESPONSIBILITIES:

Kforce's client, a growing engineering technology company in San Diego, CA is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead advanced DoD programs. This is a direct hire, working closely with the hiring manager. The role is 5 days onsite and offers a competitive base salary plus annual bonus.

Summary:

This position will serve as a Principal/Chief Engineer, providing system level technical leadership across hardware, software, RF, and networking. The role supports agile development of communications, networking, and computing systems for U.S. defense agencies operating across airborne, maritime, and ground environments.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead system architecture, design, integration, test, and fielding of tactical DoD communication systems
  • Act as technical authority, driving system level decisions and trade studies
  • Lead integration across electrical, mechanical, software, RF, networking, and cybersecurity
  • Interface with customers, program managers, and engineering teams to define requirements and deliverables
  • Derive and manage system and subsystem requirements
  • Create and maintain system diagrams, ICDs, and technical documentation
  • Support test planning, execution, and data analysis, including field and flight testing
  • Support vehicle based integrated systems with radios, waveforms, power, RF, and software
  • Occasional travel for integration and test support

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field (or equivalent experience)
  • 12-15 years of systems engineering, integration, test, and deployment experience
  • Experience leading IPTs across multiple engineering disciplines
  • Broad technical background in software (embedded/full stack), RF, networking, and cybersecurity
  • Experience with tactical data links/mesh waveforms (Link 16, TTNT, Silvus, Wave Relay) strongly preferred
  • Strong leadership, decision making, and customer-facing communication skills
  • Experience executing large, complex programs in Agile environments
  • No direct reports; Serves as technical lead/point of contact for the program
  • Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information

Nice to Have:

  • Working knowledge of EVMS preferred
  • RF analysis and link budget experience
  • C4ISR systems exposure
  • SATCOM integration, MIL STDs, and secure architectures
  • DOORS/Jama, SysML, MagicDraw/Cameo
  • Modern software practices (CI/CD, TDD)

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

By clicking ?Apply Today? you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.

Salary.com Estimation for Principal Systems Engineer (DoD systems) in San Diego, CA
$102,270 to $128,149
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Principal Systems Engineer (DoD systems)?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Principal Systems Engineer (DoD systems) career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$86,680 - $110,316
Income Estimation: 
$110,730 - $135,754
Income Estimation: 
$117,033 - $148,289
Income Estimation: 
$91,370 - $117,201
Income Estimation: 
$115,390 - $147,559
Income Estimation: 
$106,780 - $140,358
Income Estimation: 
$104,963 - $131,876
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Jobs via Dice

  • Jobs via Dice Sheridan, WY
  • Dice is the leading career destination for tech experts at every stage of their careers. Our client, Varmoda Tech LLC, is seeking the following. Apply via ... more
  • 11 Days Ago

  • Jobs via Dice Alaska, AK
  • job summary: Enterprise Healthcare client has an immediate opening for a highly motivated Project Manager III to join their dynamic and growing team. All q... more
  • 11 Days Ago

  • Jobs via Dice Burlington, VT
  • Desktop Deployment Technician (Part-Time - 20 Hours a week) (Contract Role) Overview We are seeking a Desktop Deployment Technician to support a large-scal... more
  • 11 Days Ago

  • Jobs via Dice Georgia, VT
  • Dice is the leading career destination for tech experts at every stage of their careers. Our client, AaraTechnologies Inc, is seeking the following. Apply ... more
  • 11 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Principal Systems Engineer (DoD systems) jobs in the San Diego, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • BAE Systems San Diego, CA
  • Job Description BAE Systems is looking for an experienced, self-motivated Senior Systems Engineer with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) experience to... more
  • 27 Days Ago

  • Kforce Inc San Diego, CA
  • Responsibilities Kforce's client, a growing engineering technology company in San Diego, CA is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead advanced DoD pr... more
  • 23 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!