Principal Engineer

• Our firm has been retained to identify a highly accomplished Principal Systems Engineer for a premier organization developing advanced space and defense electronic systems. This company partners with the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and civil space agencies to deliver mission-critical technologies that operate in the most demanding environments.
• The organization is known for its engineering rigor, collaborative culture, and commitment to innovation. Through disciplined systems engineering and integrated product development, they design and deliver high-performance, radiation-tolerant solutions that support next-generation space missions.

Position Summary:

• We are seeking a talented, self-driven, and technically exceptional Principal Systems Engineer to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in the development of complex electronic systems for space applications.
• This individual will provide systems engineering leadership across R&D and product development programs, play a key role in shaping technology and product roadmaps, and contribute to high-impact strategic business opportunities.
• The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership and communication skills. They will work closely with program managers and project engineers to ensure successful execution, guiding teams to solve complex problems through a holistic systems engineering approach.
• This role requires both technical depth—to perform detailed analyses—and technical breadth—to navigate cross-disciplinary challenges spanning mechanical, electrical, software, and firmware domains. The successful candidate will be able to operate autonomously, exercise expert engineering judgment, and drive results aligned with organizational objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead diverse engineering teams in the design and development of advanced multi-function RF, processing, networking, and data storage systems for space applications
• Own and oversee the systems engineering process for assigned programs, ensuring proper analysis, trade studies, technical baseline management, and verification/validation activities
• Partner with program management to support planning and execution within cost and schedule constraints
• Serve as the primary technical representative and point of contact for assigned programs
• Prepare for and present at major design reviews, including internal leadership and external customer engagements
• Provide technical expertise in planning for internal R&D initiatives and new product development
• Support proposal development and new business capture efforts
• Travel or work on-site as needed to support program objectives
• Perform additional duties as required to support organizational goals

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics)
• 9 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or 7 years with a Master’s degree
• Experience with space industry product development life cycles
• Experience with complex electronics at low levels of integration (PCBAs, mission software, FPGA firmware, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience as a technical project lead
• Recognized expertise in one or more engineering or scientific disciplines
• Ability to work effectively across multiple technical domains and engineering disciplines
• Strong proficiency in applying systems engineering methodologies to product design and development
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through the development of complex electronic systems
• Track record of balancing technical performance objectives with program cost and schedule requirements
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a STEM field
• Background in high-reliability, high-survivability, or space-environment product design
• Familiarity with Xilinx devices, including Zynq UltraScale or Versal architectures
• Knowledge of VPX standards (VITA 46 and VITA 65) and embedded hardware implementations
• Hands-on experience in electronics design, including schematic capture, PCB layout, signal integrity analysis, and mixed-signal design
• Experience with signal processing and algorithm development
• Proficiency with engineering tools such as PSpice, LTspice, Altium, SOLIDWORKS, Keysight ADS, MATLAB/Simulink, or MBSE platforms
• Knowledge of networking protocols and OSI model concepts

EEO Statement:

VLink is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Applicant information will be handled in accordance with VLink's privacy policy.