Principal Systems Engineer – Defense

Curtiss-Wright Corporation

Principal Systems Engineer leading large technical teams to meet complex customer requirements in defense sector. Representing the company as the technical expert and guiding cross-functional teams.

Posted 6/25/2026full-timeAshburn • Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $144,100 - $190,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Linux

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

Requirements

What you’ll need

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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Paid Time Off
401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing
Health and Wellness Benefits
Learning and Development Opportunities
Referral Program
Competitive Pay
Recognition
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Inclusive & Supportive Culture

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

systems engineeringsystem hardware/software developmentintegration and testLinuxVxWorksSOSAVPXMIL-STD-1553RS422RS485

Soft Skills

problem solvingtroubleshootingteam leadershipclarity in communicationadaptability in fast-paced environments

Certifications

BS Computer ScienceBS Software EngineeringBS Electrical EngineeringRTCA/DO-254RTCA/DO-178FAA Certification