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As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will serve as the technical authority for test procedure development, verification strategy, and compliance oversight for complex defense systems. You will define the test architecture, ensure integration across subsystems, and interface directly with high-level program stakeholders and defense customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the program’s verification and validation strategy from requirements decomposition to final acceptance
• Lead and approve the development of all system and subsystem test procedures, ensuring compliance with contractual, regulatory, and military standards
• Serve as the primary customer-facing technical lead during test planning, execution, and reporting
• Direct large-scale test campaigns, including environmental, functional, and integration testing
• Identify and mitigate technical risks related to verification and compliance
• Drive continuous improvement in test methodology, tools, and process efficiency

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• 10+ years of experience in systems engineering and test procedure development in the defense industry
• Demonstrated leadership of complex, multi-phase test programs
• Expertise in MIL-STD testing, requirements management, and compliance verification
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience as a Chief Engineer or Verification & Validation IPT Lead
• Master's degree
• Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and digital twin methodologies
• Experience briefing senior military leadership and program executives
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills
• Active DoD Secret clearance (TS/SCI preferred)

Salary Range: $155,000 - $225,000

The BlueHalo pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data.

Our compensation package also includes components designed to support employees’ total well-being, which should be considered when evaluating our competitive benefits package. These benefits include health insurance, life insurance, disability, company holiday and paid time off, parental leave, 401(k) company match and contributions, professional development/training reimbursements, and other work/life programs.