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Principal Systems Engineer

Leonardo DRSGermantown, MD🇺🇸United StatesPosted 16 Aug 2026

Why This Role Stands Out

As a Principal Systems Engineer at Leonardo DRS, you will drive innovative radar solutions for critical defense applications, offering significant career growth and the opportunity to mentor junior engineers. With a competitive salary range of $130,801 - $176,581 and a hybrid work model, this role is perfect for experienced engineers eager to make a substantial impact in a globally recognized technology leader.

Quick Overview

Salary
$130.8k - $176.6k/yr
Work Type
Hybrid
Level
Leader

Job Description

Job ID: 114318

DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance.

Job Responsibilities

  • Responsible for driving technology and completion of activity on time and budget
  • Design, develop, analyze, document and support testing of products, systems or subsystems
  • Ability to complete a technical project independently and mentor and coach other engineers. Review customer specifications and requirements, and develop designs to best support them, including cost as a key design variable
  • Provide budget, cost and schedule input for design assignments
  • Document component and subsystem specifications and material requirements
  • Analyze designs as necessary
  • Specify and evaluate supplier components, subsystems and services
  • Support the program design to cost and design for manufacture requirements
  • Develop prototypes to retire key development risks
  • Communicate clearly (written and oral) with manufacturing, supply chain, program management and the customer as required
  • Participates heavily in preparation of the more complex and significant proposals
  • Provides technical expertise and assistance to other engineers and support personnel
  • Interact with technical management, other professionals, technicians and support personnel to coordinate, recommend and confer regarding technical activities and progress
  • May mentor and coach the work of others as assigned
  • Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization
  • Attend appropriate engineering, customer or business meetings
  • Mentor and coach less experienced engineers
  • Involved with the analysis, design, development and implementation of new and/or existing systems/sub-systems. May include Architectural Design, Requirements Engineering, or others. Determines system specifications. Supports acquisition of hardware and software (or subcontractor services as needed).

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field or equivalent experience and a minimum of 8 years of integration engineering experience on a development contract including systems/hardware integration and troubleshooting
DOD Secret clearance or ability to obtain a clearance
Competent technical expertise and application domain knowledge
Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
Strong organizational skills and the ability to independently execute work tasks in a rapidly changing, fast-paced environment.
Strong written, communication, and presentation skills
Experience supporting DoD customers and processes

Preferred Qualifications
Experience or familiarity with various analytical and decisions aid tools (e.g. Cameo, MatLab, STK, etc.)
Experience with the DoD architectural framework and design guidance for radar systems and systems engineering processes
Ability to effectively collaborate with industry and academic partners
Excellent communication and presentation skills, ability to effectively communicate to senior leadership within the company, customer and academic communities
Prior experience integrating complex hardware/software systems
Prior experience operating radar systems
Strong analysis skills and abilities

U.S. Citizenship required. This position may require an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

The expected pay scale for this position is $130,801 - $176,581.00/year. Should the level, location, or scope of the position change during the hiring process, the pay scale may be modified accordingly. When extending an offer of employment, Leonardo DRS considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position; any Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, the candidate's relevant work experience, education/training, certifications, and key skills; internal equity; and market and business considerations.

Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only

Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

- Integrity
- Agility
- Excellence
- Customer Focus
- Community & Respect
- Innovation

We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.

Skills

Drone
MATLAB
LESS

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