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Senior Application and System Technologies (AST)/Principal Engineer (PE)

Prescient Edge
Mc Lean, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/4/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/4/2026
Job Title
Senior Application and System Technologies (AST)/Principal Engineer (PE)
Location
McLean, VA 22102 US (Primary)
Category
Research, Development, and Engineering
Job Type
Full-Time
Career Level
Staff
Education
Master's Degree
Travel
Up to 25%
Security Clearance Required
Top Secret
Job Description

The requirements listed define Application and System Technologist (AST)/Product Owner responsibilities and tasking. The AST/PE is a qualified individual that can analyze detailed system designs and functional requirements for manned/unmanned Command and Control (C2) and Mission Systems (MS). The AST/PE shall use software engineering principles and information technology practices to plan, create, improve, maintain and test the core applications, control systems, and sensor baselines. The AST/PE shall support the Chief Integration Officer (CIO) and other team members to accomplish development activities and execute the MS development and deployment plans. The AST/PE shall be able to receive guidance from senior software developers and engineers while supporting senior leadership with mission execution. As a Product Owner, the individual can meet the tasking found under the C5ISR/Minotaur Product Owner Process Guide.

The AST/PE shall be qualified to execute the functions below with little guidance.

  • Mission System Architecture Design & Development: Design, analyze, and document software and hardware architectures for manned and unmanned aircraft, marine, and surface mission systems, ensuring all functional requirements are met and aligned with C5ISR and C2 system engineering standards. 
  • Software Development & Configuration: Write, configure, and test scripts and software applications using tools including Linux, Java, JavaScript, Python, C , C#, SQL, XML, HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap to support mission system designs and operational requirements.
  • Mission System Installation, Integration, & Testing: Install, configure, and test mission systems and software across a variety of hardware platforms including lab environments, operations centers, and on-asset locations, for both manned and unmanned systems. Conduct unit, auto, functional, integration, and system-level tests. 
  • Unmanned Systems & Operator Training Development: Develop and deliver training programs for Unmanned Systems and Mission System Operators (MSO), including customer-focused operational training solutions for exercises, operational assessments, rapid prototyping, and long-term sustainment efforts. 
  • Technical Documentation & Reporting: Produce detailed technical documentation, specifications, reports, and presentations using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Draft system design plans, Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), and enterprise CSE solution documentation. 
  • Network, Mesh & Sensor System Management: Install, configure, and manage mesh networks, Line of Sight (LOS) communications, and sensor systems. Troubleshoot network issues and ensure reliable connectivity across mission system environments. 
  • Logistics & Configuration Management: Maintain hardware and software configuration management, including procurement, installation, shipping, and receiving of mission system components. Ensure proper tracking and inventory of all system assets. 
  • System Administration & Security Management: Perform system administration functions including user account management, password setup, login access creation, security scans, and network troubleshooting to ensure system integrity and operational readiness. 
  • Data Management & System Drive Maintenance: Build and manage system drives, update digital maps and satellite drives, and maintain accurate and current data across all mission system platforms to support operational effectiveness. 
  • Enterprise Operational Planning & CSE Solution Mapping: Develop and map C5ISR system engineering solutions and enterprise operational planning documents. Research emerging technologies and draft client-based CSE solutions aligned with organizational and government requirements. 
  • Customer Support, Usability & Trouble Resolution: Collaborate with team members to ensure mission systems meet usability, reliability, and maintainability standards. Investigate and resolve customer trouble reports in a timely and effective manner, incorporating feedback from leadership and government users. 
  • Product Owner Support & Stakeholder Engagement: Execute Product Owner tasking in accordance with established process guides. Support business relationship building, strategic vision development, and engage with government stakeholders through frequent travel to meet operational and program requirements. Maintain a minimum Top Secret/SCI security clearance. 
Job Requirements
  • Requirement of College Degree in Computer Engineering/Science, Electrical Engineering, Cyber Security or other suitable equivalent in education with at least 8 years of field experience. Extensive experience in military or field experience can be exchanged for degree requirements.
  • Master’s Degree- For Senior position, a Masters Degree with appropriate field experience is required.
  • Proven performance of work, development, internship with communication and teaming skills.
Prescient Edge is a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) founded as a counterintelligence (CI) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) company in 2008. We are a global operations and solutions integrator delivering full-spectrum intelligence analysis support, training, security, and RD&E support solutions to the Department of Defense and throughout the intelligence community. Prescient Edge is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by law. We strive to foster equity and inclusion throughout our organization because we believe that diversity of thought is critical for creating a safe and engaging work environment while also enabling the organization’s success.

Salary.com Estimation for Senior Application and System Technologies (AST)/Principal Engineer (PE) in Mc Lean, VA
$137,224 to $162,912
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