Principal Systems Engineer - Aerostat SME

Join to apply for the Principal Systems Engineer - Aerostat SME role at QinetiQ US (formerly Avantus Federal)5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicantsJoin to apply for the Principal Systems Engineer - Aerostat SME role at QinetiQ US (formerly Avantus Federal)We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.Why Join QinetiQ US?If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.Position OverviewWe are seeking an experienced and dynamic Principal Systems Engineer. We are seeking a Systems Engineer (Multi-disciplined, preferred ISR). The Principal Systems Engineer will be responsible for designing, integrating, testing, and supporting advanced ISR systems, including sensors and communications technologies, for military ground platforms. The ideal candidate will work closely with the U.S. Army, foreign military clients, and internal engineering teams to ensure the successful integration of ISR systems into military operations, meeting mission-critical requirements and operational demands.ResponsibilitiesSubcontractor Technical Oversight:Serve as the lead technical point of contact with the aerostat subcontractor for all Integrated Product Team (IPT) mattersReview and assess contractor deliverables including system designs, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), test plans, test results, and technical documentationQuestion contractor approaches, assumptions, and deliverables using deep aerostat expertise to identify potential issues other team members cannot assessIdentify technical risks in contractor proposals and work products that may impact ASRR cost, schedule, or performanceTechnical Resource and Knowledge Bridge:Serve as the internal technical authority on aerostat systems, providing guidance to program management and engineering teams lacking specialized aerostat knowledgeIdentify and communicate technical knowledge gaps between contractor deliverables and program requirementsTranslate complex aerostat technical concepts for non-specialist team members and stakeholdersProvide technical recommendations to program leadership for contractor-related decisionsIPT and TIM Participation:Participate in Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) representing the prime contractor's technical position on aerostat subsystem and component mattersEvaluate contractor technical positions and provide informed recommendations on acceptance or rejection of contractor approachesCoordinate technical interfaces between aerostat systems and other ASRR subsystems including ISR payloads and ground systemsContractor Deliverable Management:Evaluate contractor-provided documentation for technical accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contract requirementsReview and approve Interface Control Documents ensuring proper integration with overall ASRR system architectureAssess contractor test plans and results to ensure adequate verification of aerostat system performanceVerify contractor deliverables meet military standards, regulatory requirements, and contract specificationsTechnical Problem Resolution:Lead technical investigations when contractor deliverables or performance do not meet expectationsAssess contractor-proposed solutions to technical problems using expertise to determine viability and riskProvide independent technical judgment when contractor approaches may not be optimalIdentify when technical issues require program-level intervention or contract modificationProgram Technical Support:Ensure contractor understanding and implementation of aerostat-specific requirements within overall ASRR system contextMonitor contractor progress on aerostat integration with ISR payloads and ground support systemsEvaluate contractor system performance against contract requirements and operational needsProvide regular technical status reports to program management on contractor performance and technical issuesRequired QualificationsEducation:Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related STEM fieldExperience:Minimum 14 years of experience in aerostat or lighter-than-air systems engineeringDemonstrated experience managing or overseeing technical subcontractors on complex systems programsHands-on experience with large-scale aerostat systems (300K+ cubic feet volume preferred)Experience serving as technical authority interfacing with program management and customer organizationsTechnical Expertise:Comprehensive understanding of aerostat design, operations, limitations, and integration challengesExperience with aerostat integration into larger ISR or surveillance systemsProven ability to evaluate complex technical deliverables and identify potential issuesExperience evaluating contractor technical performance and challenging inadequate work productsCritical Skills:Demonstrated ability to make sound technical decisions in ambiguous situations with incomplete informationStrong ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences including non-technical stakeholdersProven track record of identifying technical flaws or risks that others have missedExperience leading technical discussions and achieving consensus among diverse technical teamsTools and Standards:Applied experience with systems engineering lifecycle management tools (Innoslate MBSE, Cameo Magic Draw, DOORS Next, or equivalent)Familiarity with military standards (MIL-STD, MIL-PRF) and compliance verification processesExperience with contractor technical review processes and deliverable evaluation methodologiesAdditional Requirements:Must be eligible for U.S. government security clearance (Secret minimum) or possess current clearanceLimited travel required for contractor site visits and technical reviewsAbility to make objective technical assessments independent of contractor influence or program pressurePrior experience with Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contracts and international programs highly desirableExperience with defense contractor management and technical oversight preferredCompany EEO StatementAccessibility/Accommodation:If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 4 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.Seniority levelSeniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionInformation TechnologyIndustriesDefense and Space ManufacturingReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at QinetiQ US (formerly Avantus Federal) by 2xGet notified about new Principal System Engineer jobs in McLean, VA.Senior Systems Engineering: 5+ years - Fairfax County.Senior System Engineer - Cornerstone OnDemand (CSOD)Washington, DC $70,000.00-$130,000.00 1 month agoSenior Systems Engineering & Program Management AdvisorSenior Tech Lead - Cyber Systems EngineeringCollege Park, MD $176,000.00-$282,000.00 1 week agoAnnapolis Junction, MD $176,000.00-$282,000.00 1 week agoAnnapolis Junction, MD $190,000.00-$304,000.00 1 day agoSpringfield, VA $146,000.00-$234,000.00 1 week agoSenior Systems Engineer - Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Integration and AnalysisNRO/MID Senior Systems Engineer/Technical AdvisorSenior R&D Engineer - System Architecture (Italy based)Annapolis Junction, MD $190,000.00-$304,000.00 1 day agoHerndon, VA $119,850.00-$162,150.00 1 day agoSystems Engineer - Risk Management - Senior (1898)Falls Church, VA $166,280.00-$224,968.00 4 days agoLaurel, MD $100,000.00-$227,500.00 1 day agoSenior Systems Engineering (SETA) AdvisorWashington, DC $114,600.00-$252,100.00 2 weeks agoFairfax, VA $121,400.00-$226,700.00 3 weeks agoAnnapolis Junction, MD $190,000.00-$304,000.00 4 days agoSystems Engineer (Analytics) - Senior - CLEARANCE and POLYGRAPH REQUIREDLaurel, MD $165,000.00-$180,000.00 2 months agoSystems Engineer (Analytics) - Senior - CLEARANCE and POLYGRAPH REQUIREDAnnapolis Junction, MD $165,000.00-$180,000.00 2 months agoWe’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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Created: 2025-09-17