Principal Systems Engineer (DoD systems)

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce's client, a growing engineering technology company in San Diego, CA is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead advanced DoD programs. This is a direct hire, working closely with the hiring manager. The role is 5 days onsite and offers a competitive base salary plus annual bonus.

Summary:
This position will serve as a Principal/Chief Engineer, providing system level technical leadership across hardware, software, RF, and networking. The role supports agile development of communications, networking, and computing systems for U.S. defense agencies operating across airborne, maritime, and ground environments.

Key Responsibilities:
* Lead system architecture, design, integration, test, and fielding of tactical DoD communication systems
* Act as technical authority, driving system level decisions and trade studies
* Lead integration across electrical, mechanical, software, RF, networking, and cybersecurity
* Interface with customers, program managers, and engineering teams to define requirements and deliverables
* Derive and manage system and subsystem requirements
* Create and maintain system diagrams, ICDs, and technical documentation
* Support test planning, execution, and data analysis, including field and flight testing
* Support vehicle based integrated systems with radios, waveforms, power, RF, and software
* Occasional travel for integration and test support

REQUIREMENTS:
* Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field (or equivalent experience)
* 12-15+ years of systems engineering, integration, test, and deployment experience
* Experience leading IPTs across multiple engineering disciplines
* Broad technical background in software (embedded/full stack), RF, networking, and cybersecurity
* Experience with tactical data links/mesh waveforms (Link 16, TTNT, Silvus, Wave Relay) strongly preferred
* Strong leadership, decision making, and customer-facing communication skills
* Experience executing large, complex programs in Agile environments
* No direct reports; Serves as technical lead/point of contact for the program
* Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information

Nice to Have:
* Working knowledge of EVMS preferred
* RF analysis and link budget experience
* C4ISR systems exposure
* SATCOM integration, MIL STDs, and secure architectures
* DOORS/Jama, SysML, MagicDraw/Cameo
* Modern software practices (CI/CD, TDD)

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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