The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we’re applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC-led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next-generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you’re passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here.

Are you a bold thinker? We dream big at Sierra Nevada Corporation—advocating the exploration of space, keeping service members safe and creating the systems that keep our world united and sustain our way of living. Join our team! As a Systems Engineer, you will be using your skills and expertise to research, architect, model, simulate, test, certify and improve cutting edge products and services. You'll be developing complex system architectures within contextual modeling platforms, ushering them from operational concept through preliminary and detailed design, simulation, and test using progressive tools. As a cross-functional engineer, you are in charge of system-level ownership of new products and processes through the product lifecycle.

We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer (Environmental Controls) to lead the design, integration, and testing of environmental control systems (ECS) for the aircraft. In this role, you will ensure the ECS maintains optimal environmental conditions across a variety of flight and operational scenarios. You will develop system architectures, manage requirements, perform technical risk assessments, and oversee certification efforts to ensure the aircraft’s environmental systems meet regulatory and performance standards.

Key Responsibilities

Design and Develop ECS Architectures: Lead the development of ECS architectures from concept through detailed design.
Ensure System Integration: Oversee the integration of environmental control systems with other key subsystems (e.g., avionics, propulsion, and electrical systems).
Manage Requirements: Parse, derive, and allocate requirements using industry-standard tools (DOORS, Rhapsody, NoMagic).
Conduct Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Identify risks related to ECS performance and develop mitigation strategies.
Perform Verification & Validation (V&V): Ensure ECS meets regulatory and operational requirements through V&V efforts.
Lead Certification Processes: Guide ECS systems through FAA and DoD certification, ensuring all requirements are met.
Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work closely with program managers, engineers, and stakeholders to meet project milestones and objectives.

Must-haves:

Bachelor's of Science degree in System Engineering or related discipline and typically 14 or more years of relevant experience
Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and practices
Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development teams
Thorough understanding of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation; systems design, systems integration, technical risk identification and management strategies, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles
Skills & Expertise:
- Proficiency in system design, integration, and risk management.
- Expertise in requirements management and V&V principles.
- Experience leading multi-disciplinary design and development efforts.
The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required

Preferred:

Experience with system modeling and requirements management tools (DOORS, Rhapsody, NoMagic, MATLAB).
Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies.
Certification or familiarity with INCOSE standards.
Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry.
Proven experience leading baseline definition, trade studies, and tracking Technical Performance Measurements (TPMs).

At Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) we deliver customer-focused technology and best-of-breed integrations in the aerospace and defense sectors. SNC has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America’s fastest-growing companies. Learn more about SNC

SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome our employees to bring their whole selves to their work. SNC is committed to fostering an inclusive, accepting, and diverse environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made without regarding to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. Contributions to SNC come in many shapes and styles, and we believe diversity in our workforce fosters new and greater ways to dream, innovate, and inspire.

Sierra Nevada Corporation

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Principal System Engineer (Aircraft Environmental Controls)