QinetiQ U.S.
Principal Systems Engineer - Aerostat SME
Job Locations
1 hour ago(8/11/2025 5:46 PM)
Job ID
2025-11685
Posted Date
Engineering
Job Location
US-VA-McLean
Company Overview
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 Overview
We 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. Responsibilities
Subcontractor Technical Oversight:
Serve as the lead technical point of contact with the aerostat subcontractor for all Integrated Product Team (IPT) matters
Review and assess contractor deliverables including system designs, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), test plans, test results, and technical documentation Question contractor approaches, assumptions, and deliverables using deep aerostat expertise to identify potential issues other team members cannot assess Identify technical risks in contractor proposals and work products that may impact ASRR cost, schedule, or performance Technical Resource and Knowledge Bridge:
Serve as the internal technical authority on aerostat systems, providing guidance to program management and engineering teams lacking specialized aerostat knowledge Identify and communicate technical knowledge gaps between contractor deliverables and program requirements Translate complex aerostat technical concepts for non-specialist team members and stakeholders Provide technical recommendations to program leadership for contractor-related decisions IPT and TIM Participation:
Participate in Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) representing the prime contractor's technical position on aerostat subsystem and component matters Evaluate contractor technical positions and provide informed recommendations on acceptance or rejection of contractor approaches Coordinate technical interfaces between aerostat systems and other ASRR subsystems including ISR payloads and ground systems Contractor Deliverable Management:
Evaluate contractor-provided documentation for technical accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contract requirements Review and approve Interface Control Documents ensuring proper integration with overall ASRR system architecture Assess contractor test plans and results to ensure adequate verification of aerostat system performance Verify contractor deliverables meet military standards, regulatory requirements, and contract specifications Technical Problem Resolution:
Lead technical investigations when contractor deliverables or performance do not meet expectations Assess contractor-proposed solutions to technical problems using expertise to determine viability and risk Provide independent technical judgment when contractor approaches may not be optimal Identify when technical issues require program-level intervention or contract modification Program Technical Support:
Ensure contractor understanding and implementation of aerostat-specific requirements within overall ASRR system context Monitor contractor progress on aerostat integration with ISR payloads and ground support systems Evaluate contractor system performance against contract requirements and operational needs Provide regular technical status reports to program management on contractor performance and technical issues
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related STEM field Experience:
Minimum 14 years
of experience in aerostat or lighter-than-air systems engineering Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing technical subcontractors on complex systems programs Hands-on experience with large-scale aerostat systems (300K+ cubic feet volume preferred) Experience serving as technical authority interfacing with program management and customer organizations Technical Expertise:
Comprehensive understanding of aerostat design, operations, limitations, and integration challenges Experience with aerostat integration into larger ISR or surveillance systems Proven ability to evaluate complex technical deliverables and identify potential issues Experience evaluating contractor technical performance and challenging inadequate work products Critical Skills:
Demonstrated ability to make sound technical decisions in ambiguous situations with incomplete information Strong ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences including non-technical stakeholders Proven track record of identifying technical flaws or risks that others have missed Experience leading technical discussions and achieving consensus among diverse technical teams 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 compliance verification processes Experience with contractor technical review processes and deliverable evaluation methodologies Additional Requirements:
Must be eligible for U.S. government security clearance (Secret minimum) or possess current clearance Limited travel required for contractor site visits and technical reviews Ability to make objective technical assessments independent of contractor influence or program pressure Prior experience with Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contracts and international programs highly desirable Experience with defense contractor management and technical oversight preferred
Company EEO Statement
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 staffing@us.QinetiQ.com 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.
Job Locations
1 hour ago(8/11/2025 5:46 PM)
Job ID
2025-11685
Posted Date
Engineering
Job Location
US-VA-McLean
Company Overview
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 Overview
We 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. Responsibilities
Subcontractor Technical Oversight:
Serve as the lead technical point of contact with the aerostat subcontractor for all Integrated Product Team (IPT) matters
Review and assess contractor deliverables including system designs, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), test plans, test results, and technical documentation Question contractor approaches, assumptions, and deliverables using deep aerostat expertise to identify potential issues other team members cannot assess Identify technical risks in contractor proposals and work products that may impact ASRR cost, schedule, or performance Technical Resource and Knowledge Bridge:
Serve as the internal technical authority on aerostat systems, providing guidance to program management and engineering teams lacking specialized aerostat knowledge Identify and communicate technical knowledge gaps between contractor deliverables and program requirements Translate complex aerostat technical concepts for non-specialist team members and stakeholders Provide technical recommendations to program leadership for contractor-related decisions IPT and TIM Participation:
Participate in Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) representing the prime contractor's technical position on aerostat subsystem and component matters Evaluate contractor technical positions and provide informed recommendations on acceptance or rejection of contractor approaches Coordinate technical interfaces between aerostat systems and other ASRR subsystems including ISR payloads and ground systems Contractor Deliverable Management:
Evaluate contractor-provided documentation for technical accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contract requirements Review and approve Interface Control Documents ensuring proper integration with overall ASRR system architecture Assess contractor test plans and results to ensure adequate verification of aerostat system performance Verify contractor deliverables meet military standards, regulatory requirements, and contract specifications Technical Problem Resolution:
Lead technical investigations when contractor deliverables or performance do not meet expectations Assess contractor-proposed solutions to technical problems using expertise to determine viability and risk Provide independent technical judgment when contractor approaches may not be optimal Identify when technical issues require program-level intervention or contract modification Program Technical Support:
Ensure contractor understanding and implementation of aerostat-specific requirements within overall ASRR system context Monitor contractor progress on aerostat integration with ISR payloads and ground support systems Evaluate contractor system performance against contract requirements and operational needs Provide regular technical status reports to program management on contractor performance and technical issues
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related STEM field Experience:
Minimum 14 years
of experience in aerostat or lighter-than-air systems engineering Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing technical subcontractors on complex systems programs Hands-on experience with large-scale aerostat systems (300K+ cubic feet volume preferred) Experience serving as technical authority interfacing with program management and customer organizations Technical Expertise:
Comprehensive understanding of aerostat design, operations, limitations, and integration challenges Experience with aerostat integration into larger ISR or surveillance systems Proven ability to evaluate complex technical deliverables and identify potential issues Experience evaluating contractor technical performance and challenging inadequate work products Critical Skills:
Demonstrated ability to make sound technical decisions in ambiguous situations with incomplete information Strong ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences including non-technical stakeholders Proven track record of identifying technical flaws or risks that others have missed Experience leading technical discussions and achieving consensus among diverse technical teams 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 compliance verification processes Experience with contractor technical review processes and deliverable evaluation methodologies Additional Requirements:
Must be eligible for U.S. government security clearance (Secret minimum) or possess current clearance Limited travel required for contractor site visits and technical reviews Ability to make objective technical assessments independent of contractor influence or program pressure Prior experience with Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contracts and international programs highly desirable Experience with defense contractor management and technical oversight preferred
Company EEO Statement
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 staffing@us.QinetiQ.com 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.