1

Director Systems Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Principal Systems Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$84K - $200K/yr

Director, Systems Engineering Supervises Others: No At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using strong engineering principles to drive innovation and ...

$168K - $252K/yr

The Advanced Research and Engineering (AR&E) Sub-Division leads Aerospace support to the R&D portfolio of a major intelligence agency. AR&E is looking for a Systems Director (Systems Director ...

The Advanced Research and Engineering (AR&E) Sub-Division leads Aerospace support to the R&D portfolio of a major intelligence agency. AR&E is looking for a Systems Director (Systems Director ...

Desired Qualifications * 10+ years of professional experience in systems engineering or a related field, with 7+ years of experience in direct personnel management. * 5+ years of professional ...

Desired Qualifications * 10+ years of professional experience in systems engineering or a related field, with 7+ years of experience in direct personnel management. * 5+ years of professional ...

Desired Qualifications * 10+ years of professional experience in systems engineering or a related field, with 7+ years of experience in direct personnel management. * 5+ years of professional ...

Desired Qualifications * 10+ years of professional experience in systems engineering or a related field, with 7+ years of experience in direct personnel management. * 5+ years of professional ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Director Systems Engineering information

What does a director systems engineering do?

A Director of Systems Engineering leads and manages the systems engineering team within an organization, overseeing the design, development, and implementation of complex systems. They coordinate cross-functional teams, ensure engineering projects align with business goals, and establish standards and best practices. This role involves strategic planning, resource management, and ensuring that systems meet performance, security, and scalability requirements. Directors also mentor team members and collaborate with other departments to deliver high-quality technical solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director systems engineering?

To thrive as a Director Systems Engineering, you need deep expertise in systems architecture, engineering management, and a relevant technical degree, often with extensive experience leading engineering teams. Familiarity with systems engineering tools (like DOORS or SysML), project management software, and certifications such as INCOSE CSEP are typically required. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills help you motivate teams and align engineering efforts with business objectives. These competencies are crucial to delivering complex technical solutions efficiently and driving organizational success.

What are some common challenges faced by directors of systems engineering, and how can they be addressed?

Directors of Systems Engineering often encounter challenges such as aligning cross-functional teams, managing complex projects with competing priorities, and ensuring system reliability at scale. Effective communication and stakeholder management are essential to address these challenges, as is fostering a culture of collaboration between engineering, product, and operations teams. Implementing robust project management methodologies and staying current with emerging technologies can also help Directors anticipate potential roadblocks and deliver high-quality solutions.

What is the difference between Director Systems Engineering vs Systems Engineer?

AspectDirector Systems EngineeringSystems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Engineering, PMP or similar certifications often preferredBachelor's in Engineering or related field; certifications like Cisco, Microsoft may be advantageous
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing teams, strategic planning, cross-department collaborationTechnical role focused on designing, implementing, and maintaining systems
Industry UsageUsed in large organizations, tech firms, and enterprises with complex systemsCommon across industries for technical system development and support

The main difference is that the Director Systems Engineering focuses on strategic leadership, team management, and high-level planning, while the Systems Engineer handles technical system design and implementation. The director oversees multiple projects and teams, whereas the systems engineer is more hands-on with technical tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineering jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Systems Engineering jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Director Systems Engineering jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Director Systems Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Systems Engineering job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Principal Systems Engineer

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Trident Systems Inc.
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees

$84K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Principal Systems Engineer

Full Time Employee Full-Time US

5 days ago Requisition ID: 1839

Salary Range: $84,000.00 To $200,000.00 Annually

Position Title:Principal Systems Engineer
Requisition ID: 1839
Position Location:Remote
Position Reports To:Director, Systems Engineering
Supervises Others:No

At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, we believe in the power of using strong engineering principles to drive innovation and solve complex problems. We foster a culture of rigorous engineering and continuous improvement, leveraging the full knowledge of our organization through collaborative product development processes that include design and peer reviews. We combine our expertise in space electronics with right-sized development processes to create innovative, high-performance space-based electronic systems that meet our customers' evolving needs.

We are a mission partner supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, and Civil space customers. We develop complex, radiation effects mitigated, designs that balance competing requirements in modern space programs, delivering cutting-edge solutions that enable our customers to achieve more in space.

Position Summary

We are seeking a talented, self-motivated, and experienced Principal Systems Engineer with demonstrated success in technically leading engineering teams to develop and deliver new and/or improved products that meet requirements. The Principal Systems Engineer provides systems engineering methodology expertise across R&D and product development programs, is a key partner with operations, and contributes to business opportunities of strategic importance.

The Principal Systems Engineer works collaboratively with program managers and project chief engineers to ensure successful program execution and is responsible for guiding program teams to solve problems through a holistic, systems engineering approach. This position requires expert technical capability and communication skills, effective forward thinking to take advantage of opportunities and prevent issues, and the ability to work with engineering leadership to grow an effective engineering organization. To be successful in this role, the individual should possess technical depth to perform deep-dive analysis and apply properly tailored systems engineering process, as well as technical breadth to work through complex issues across disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, software, and firmware). This individual can work autonomously with only high-level objectives, can work on problems of diverse complexity and scope, and demonstrates expert engineering judgment.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Technically lead a diverse engineering team in the development of advanced multi-function RF, processing, networking, and/or data storage units for space applications using systems engineering methodology
  • Own the systems engineering process on the program and ensure proper systems analysis and trades, technical baseline management, and requirements verification and validation activities are completed
  • Act as the program technical champion, representative, and point of contact (POC)
  • Prepare for and present at all major design reviews, including internal and external (customer) reviews
  • Provide technical expertise in planning for IR&D and new product initiatives
  • Support proposal efforts for new business opportunities
  • Support travel to Fairfax, Virginia corporate headquarters, as needed (up to 25%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • 12+ years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 10+ years with a master’s degree
  • Demonstrated experience leading the development and delivery of complex spaceflight or aerospace hardware from concept through qualification, production, and customer delivery.
  • Highly accomplished in one or more engineering or scientific domains of expertise, with fluency across multiple relevant technical/scientific domains
  • Proficient in application of systems engineering methodology to product design and development
  • Ability to balance technical performance with program cost and schedule targets
  • Excellent organization and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • MS degree in a STEM field
  • Experience in software defined systems
  • Experience with space industry product development life cycles
  • Experience in product development for high-reliability, high-survivability, and/or space environment applications
  • Experience with complex electronics product design at low level of integration, e.g., PCBAs, mechanical structures, mission software, FPGA firmware, etc.
  • Experience with Xilinx family devices, including Zynq UltraScale+ or Versal architecture
  • Knowledge of VPX standards (VITA 46 and VITA 65) and demonstrated experience implementing embedded hardware
  • Experience in electronics design including schematic capture, PCB layout, PCB routing, high-speed data design, mixed-signal analysis/design, signal integrity analysis, etc.
  • Experience with signal processing and/or algorithm development
  • Experience with CAD tools, e.g., PSpice, LTspice, Altium, SOLIDWORKS, Keysight ADS, etc.
  • Experience with systems engineering related tools, e.g., STK, MATLAB Simulink, requirements management/databases, MBSE, etc.
  • Experience with one or more levels of the OSI model and understanding of networking protocols

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $84,000 - $200,000

Please Note: Actual compensation offered will be determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, internal equity, business considerations, and geographic location where applicable.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits including but not limited to:

  • Medical
  • Vision
  • Basic life with AD&D
  • Short term disability
  • Long term disability
  • Ancillary (Voluntary life with AD&D, accident, critical illness, hospital, and pet)
  • Spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and DCFSA)
  • Paid time off
  • Holidays
  • 401(k) (including company match)
  • Leaves (Parental, maternity, and military)
  • Annual discretionary bonus (for eligible roles)

Trident Systems reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Trident Solutions is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact recruiting@tridsys.com.

Pay Transparency: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

#J-18808-Ljbffr