Principal Systems Engineer - ISR SME

OverviewCompany OverviewWe are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Our work spans innovative research in 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 collaborate to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being part of QinetiQ US means contributing to the safety and security of the world around us. We partner with our customers to 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, you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to solve complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US supports workplace flexibility, the health and well-being of you and your family, and opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success both professionally and personally.Position OverviewWe 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.ResponsibilitiesSubcontractor Technical Oversight: Serve as the lead technical point of contact with the ISR subcontractor for all Integrated Product Team (IPT) mattersContractor Deliverables Review: 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 documentationChallenge and Risk Identification: Question contractor approaches, assumptions, and deliverables using deep ISR expertise to identify potential issues others may not assessRisk Management: Identify technical risks in contractor proposals and work products that may impact ASRR ISR performance, cost, schedule, or intelligence collection effectivenessTechnical Resource and Knowledge Bridge: Serve as the internal technical authority on ISR systems, guiding program management and engineering teams lacking specialized intelligence collection and surveillance knowledgeKnowledge Gap Identification: Identify and communicate technical knowledge gaps between contractor deliverables and ISR operational requirementsCommunication of Concepts: Translate complex ISR technical concepts for non-specialist team members and stakeholdersLeadership Recommendations: Provide technical recommendations to program leadership for ISR contractor-related decisionsIPT and TIM Participation: Participate in Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) representing the prime contractor’s technical position on ISR subsystem and component mattersTechnical Position Evaluation: Evaluate contractor technical positions and provide informed recommendations on acceptance or rejection of ISR contractor approachesInterface Coordination: Coordinate technical interfaces between ISR sensors and other ASRR subsystems including aerostat platform, ELINT systems, communications, and ground processing stationsContractor Deliverable Management: Evaluate contractor-provided ISR documentation for technical accuracy, completeness, and contract requirement complianceDocumentation Approval: Review and approve Interface Control Documents ensuring proper ISR integration with overall ASRR system architecture and multi-intelligence data fusion requirementsTest and Verification: Assess contractor ISR test plans and results to ensure adequate verification of sensor performance, data quality, and intelligence productStandards Compliance: Verify contractor deliverables meet military standards, ISR-specific requirements, and intelligence community protocolsTechnical Problem Resolution: Lead technical investigations when ISR contractor deliverables or performance do not meet expectationsSolution Assessment: Assess contractor-proposed solutions to ISR technical problems for viability and operational impactIndependent Judgment: Provide independent technical judgment when contractor ISR approaches may not be optimal for mission requirementsProgram Intervention: Identify when ISR technical issues require program-level intervention or contract modificationProgram Technical Support: Ensure contractor understanding and implementation of ISR-specific requirements within the overall ASRR system contextProgress Monitoring: Monitor contractor progress on ISR sensor integration with the aerostat platform and cross-cueing with other collection systemsPerformance Evaluation: Evaluate contractor ISR system performance against contract requirements and operational intelligence collection needsStatus Reporting: Provide regular technical status reports to program management on ISR contractor performance and technical issuesQualificationsRequired QualificationsEducation:Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related STEM fieldExperience: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 productExperience serving as technical authority interfacing with program management and customer organizations on intelligence programsTechnical 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 disseminationCritical 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 protocolsSpecialized 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 systemsTools 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 systemsAdditional 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 programsCompany EEO StatementAccessibility/Accommodation:If because of a medical condition or you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [emailprotected] 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, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or protected Veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17