Sr Principal Systems Engineer

Pittsfield, MA DEFENSE Full-time Posted Nov 10, 2026
Apply on General Dynamics Mission Systems (opens in a new tab) Sourced via careers-gdms.icims.com · Posted 2026-11-10

About this role

General Dynamics Mission Systems is hiring a Sr Principal Systems Engineer, full-time, on-site in Pittsfield, MA, in the DEFENSE sector.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:Department of Defense Secret security clearance is obtainable within a reasonable amount of time after hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities for this Position

ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:

As a systems engineer for D5LE2, you’ll lead a cross functional team responsible for FCS.

We encourage you to apply if you have any of these preferred skills or experiences:

What sets you apart:

Creative thinker with demonstrated success leading the systems development life cycle

Collaborative team player eager to provide technical leadership and position others for success

Exceptional communication, presentation, and influence management skills, with notable record of securing buy-in on concepts and ideas

Experienced in the art of negotiation with ability to meet challenging customer requirements with win-win solutions

Commitment to ongoing professional development for yourself and others

Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation

Key Responsibilities:

• Identifies, analyzes, and resolves system design weaknesses. • Develops system security documentation on both new and fielded information systems. • Provides system accreditation/certification evaluation and test support. • Generates technical engineering products using appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools. • Participates in requirements analysis, requirements management, functional analysis, performance analysis, system design, trade studies, systems integration, and test (verification). • Performs interface definition studies of system components and products. • Plans sub-tasks for activities described above. • Researches and analyzes data, such as vendor products, COTS components, GFE/CFE/BFE, specifications, and manuals to determine feasibility of design or application. • Designs complete and complex framework, system, or product. • Drives the achievement of business objectives. • Performs technical planning, cost and risk analyses, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for subsystems and system elements. • Guides the successful completion of major programs and projects. • Leads technical tasks for large teams or projects. • Leads small technical proposals and contributes to medium-sized proposals. • Leads customer requirements analysis, develops system requirements, and defines allocations to lower levels (subsystem, elements, and components). • Leads evaluations of systems, networks, and information systems to ensure designs meet applicable governmental security specifications.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

System Fundamentals: Fully proficient understanding of systems engineering concepts, principles, and theories, with demonstrated ability to apply them in a complex, safety-critical program environment such as D5LE2

System Life Cycle: Fully proficient knowledge of the system development life cycle, from concept through disposal, with experience supporting all phases on a major defense or strategic weapons program

MBSE: Fully proficient with system modeling tools (e.g., Cameo, DOORS, or equivalent) and recognized architectural patterns; experience applying MBSE methodologies to real program deliverables

Digital Engineering: Familiarity with digital engineering concepts and their application to program workflows, model management, and authoritative sources of truth

Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and independently determine and execute sound solutions with limited direction

Fully proficient in requirements management tools and Microsoft Office applications

Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to clearly report findings and recommendations aligned with sound systems engineering design principles

Ability to sell concepts and ideas to internal and external stakeholders

Ability to multi-task and quickly grasp and apply new information on complex assignments

Shows initiative, exercises independent judgment, and professionally executes projects

Our Commitment to You:

An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.

Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security

Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)

Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more

See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options:While on-site, you will be a part of the Pittsfield, MA location.

Salary Note
This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Combined Salary Range
USD $174,648.00 - USD $193,751.00 /Yr.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Description from General Dynamics Mission Systems's official posting. Always confirm details on the company careers page.

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About General Dynamics Mission Systems

General Dynamics Mission Systems

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