Why this role stands out
As a Principal Software Systems Engineer at SAIC, you'll lead the design of complex, large-scale software and infrastructure, bridging the gap between development and applications, with the flexibility of remote work and a highly competitive salary. This role is ideal for experienced engineers who thrive on technical leadership, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and driving innovation within a reputable organization. Apply today to make a significant impact and advance your career.
Quick overview
Job description
Location: Reston, VA, US
Date Posted: 2026-09-30
Category: Software
Subcategory: SW Systems Engr
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes - 10% of the time
Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE
Description
SAIC is seeking a high energy, detail oriented and highly organized Principal Software Systems Engineer to lead and manage the design and maintain complex, large-scale software and infrastructure, bridging the gap between low-level system software development and high-level applications.
Responsibilities
- System Architecture & Design: Lead the design and implementation of scalable, reliable software modules and integrated cloud infrastructure in Cameo/Magic Draw environment in both SysML and UML.
- Interoperability & Integration: Ensure seamless data exchange, communication, and synchronization across platforms, cloud environments, and third-party services.
- Requirements Traceability: Link system requirements directly to software components, functional allocations, and verification test constructs.
- Collaborative Environment Management: Utilize repository tools like Teamwork Cloud for multi-user configuration control and digital thread integration.
- Cross-Disciplinary Leadership: Guide engineering teams through technical interchanges and tasks.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with executive leadership, stakeholders, the chief engineer, the lead systems engineer, product managers, and individual system engineering teams to align technical roadmaps with organizational objectives.
- Cross-Domain Integration: Ensure software interacts efficiently with systems, databases, and external interfaces.
- Governance & Standards: Establish governance processes, compliance frameworks, and interface definitions to guide ongoing development across all component systems.
- Technical Leadership: Mentor engineering teams, review subsystem designs, and guide technical consensus during complex problem-solving.
- Troubleshooting & Optimization: Diagnose and resolve complex root-cause failures across multiple layers (code, firmware, network, and storage).
- DevOps & Automation: Deploy applications via CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and Infrastructure-as-Code frameworks.
Qualifications
- with TS/SCI clearance.
- Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of professional experience in software and systems engineering in Agile development environments, and robust hands-on expertise in MBSE tools and methodologies.
- Proficiency in SysML/UML, DOORS, modern programming languages (such as C#, Java, Python, or C++) alongside deep database and cloud platform familiarity.
- Strong analytical problem-solving, project estimation, and cross-functional communication abilities
- Experience with Integrated Fires systems, cloud-based USSF/DAF systems, customers and missions.
- Demonstrated experience working with the defense industry supporting US Government customers.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with space systems, satellite architectures, ground systems, or space domain awareness.
- Background in IT services, cloud solutions, or managed services for government customers.
- Familiarity with IC systems, community customers and mission sets.
- Prior experience in a Solutions Architect or Chief Engineer role on large government programs.
- Advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
Target salary range: $200,001 - $240,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects. SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .
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