Principal Systems Engineer - ISR SME

Overview We are seeking an experienced Principal Systems Engineer with specialized expertise in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems to serve as the primary technical interface and oversight authority for ISR subsystems within the Airspace and Surface Radar Reconnaissance (ASRR) system. The ISR capabilities are delivered by a subcontractor as part of the integrated sensor payload on a 420K strategic aerostat platform. This role focuses on technical oversight, contractor management, and serving as the internal technical authority to evaluate contractor deliverables, challenge technical approaches, and bridge knowledge gaps for the broader engineering team. Responsibilities Subcontractor Technical Oversight Lead technical point of contact with the ISR subcontractor for all IPT matters Review and assess contractor deliverables including ISR system architectures, sensor integration designs, data processing algorithms, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), test plans, test results, and technical documentation Question contractor approaches, assumptions, and deliverables using deep ISR expertise to identify potential issues other team members cannot assess Identify technical risks in contractor proposals and work products that may impact ASRR ISR performance, cost, schedule, or intelligence collection effectiveness Technical Resource and Knowledge Bridge Serve as the internal technical authority on ISR systems, providing guidance to program management and engineering teams lacking specialized intelligence collection and surveillance knowledge Identify and communicate technical knowledge gaps between contractor deliverables and ISR operational requirements Translate complex ISR technical concepts for non-specialist team members and stakeholders Provide technical recommendations to program leadership for ISR contractor-related decisions IPT and TIM Participation Participate in Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) representing the prime contractor's technical position on ISR subsystem and component matters Evaluate contractor technical positions and provide informed recommendations on acceptance or rejection of ISR contractor approaches Coordinate technical interfaces between ISR sensors and other ASRR subsystems including aerostat platform, ELINT systems, communications, and ground processing stations Contractor Deliverable Management Evaluate contractor-provided ISR documentation for technical accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contract requirements Review and approve Interface Control Documents ensuring proper ISR integration with overall ASRR system architecture and multi-intelligence data fusion requirements Assess contractor ISR test plans and results to ensure adequate verification of sensor performance, data quality, and intelligence product generation Verify contractor deliverables meet military standards, ISR-specific requirements, and intelligence community protocols Technical Problem Resolution Lead technical investigations when ISR contractor deliverables or performance do not meet expectations Assess contractor-proposed solutions to ISR technical problems using expertise to determine viability and operational impact Provide independent technical judgment when contractor ISR approaches may not be optimal for mission requirements Identify when ISR technical issues require program-level intervention or contract modification Program Technical Support Ensure contractor understanding and implementation of ISR-specific requirements within overall ASRR system context Monitor contractor progress on ISR sensor integration with aerostat platform and cross-cueing with other collection systems Evaluate contractor ISR system performance against contract requirements and operational intelligence collection needs Provide regular technical status reports to program management on ISR contractor performance and technical issues Required Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related STEM field Experience Minimum 14 years of experience in ISR systems engineering, intelligence collection systems, or surveillance system developmentDemonstrated experience managing or overseeing technical subcontractors on complex ISR or intelligence programsHands-on experience with multi-sensor ISR systems, sensor fusion, and intelligence product generationExperience serving as technical authority interfacing with program management and customer organizations on intelligence programs Technical Expertise Comprehensive understanding of ISR system design, collection techniques, processing algorithms, and operational limitationsExpertise in multi-sensor integration, data fusion techniques, and cross-cueing between different intelligence collection modalitiesExperience with electro-optical/infrared sensors, synthetic aperture radar, moving target indicators, and other ISR sensor technologiesUnderstanding of intelligence requirements, collection management, and intelligence product dissemination Critical Skills Demonstrated ability to make sound technical decisions regarding ISR systems in ambiguous situations with incomplete informationStrong ability to communicate complex ISR technical concepts to diverse audiences including non-technical stakeholdersProven track record of identifying ISR technical flaws or performance issues that others have missedExperience working with classified ISR requirements and maintaining appropriate security protocols Specialized Knowledge Deep understanding of sensor technologies including EO/IR cameras, radar systems, and associated processing equipmentExperience with real-time data processing, exploitation systems, and intelligence analysis workflowsKnowledge of ISR platform integration challenges including power, cooling, data bandwidth, and pointing accuracy requirementsUnderstanding of intelligence customer requirements and operational employment of ISR systems Tools 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 ISR-specific compliance requirementsExperience with contractor technical review processes and deliverable evaluation methodologies for classified systems Additional 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 ISR programs highly desirableExperience with defense contractor management and technical oversight on classified programs preferred Company EEO Statement 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. Accessibility/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. Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Full-time Job function Information Technology Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17