Principle Systems Engineering- Software
Position Overview
We’re looking for a Principal Systems Engineer - Software to lead the definition, decomposition, and management of software requirements across a complex communications platform. You’ll work at the intersection of software, networking, infrastructure, and systems engineering, turning high-level stakeholder needs into clear, testable, and traceable software requirements that engineering teams can successfully implement.
This is a senior technical leadership role responsible for driving requirements excellence throughout the system lifecycle. You will partner closely with software, hardware, network, systems, and test engineering teams to ensure requirements are properly defined, reviewed, verified, validated, and maintained from concept through deployment.
The ideal candidate brings deep systems engineering expertise, strong communications software knowledge, and a proven ability to lead the development of large-scale, highly integrated technical systems.
Key Responsibilities
Lead development of software system requirements from stakeholder needs and system-level concepts through subsystem and component-level specifications
Define and maintain software requirements for communications software, networking functions, interfaces, and distributed system architectures
Develop and manage interface control documents (ICDs) between software elements, infrastructure components, external systems, and partner interfaces
Own requirements traceability from stakeholder needs through design, implementation, verification, validation, and operational acceptance
Lead requirements reviews and drive resolution of ambiguity, conflicts, risks, and gaps across engineering disciplines
Conduct system-level trade studies and technical analyses to support architecture and requirements decisions
Partner with software development and test teams to define verification strategies, acceptance criteria, and validation approaches
Support system integration activities, anomaly investigations, root-cause analysis, and requirements changes throughout the development lifecycle
Develop and maintain requirements management processes, standards, and best practices
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure technical requirements align with business and operational objectives
Mentor engineers and promote strong systems engineering principles across the organization
Provide technical leadership on complex system architecture, integration, and requirements management initiatives
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field
Master’s degree in a related engineering discipline preferred
Experience:
Minimum 10–15 years of professional engineering experience
Experience working as a Systems Engineer responsible for writing, managing, and maintaining requirements for complex technical systems
Experience supporting large-scale software development, systems integration, or communications-based platforms
Proven experience developing clear, concise, testable, and verifiable requirements
Experience working throughout the systems engineering lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design support, verification, validation, and deployment
Experience using requirements management, configuration management, and traceability processes in complex engineering environments
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience within cellular telecommunications, wireless communications, networking, or related communications technologies
Familiarity with 4G LTE, 5G, radio access networks, core networks, IMS, or related telecommunications architectures
Knowledge of industry standards and specifications development processes
Experience supporting satellite communications, space systems, or non-terrestrial network architectures
Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
Experience using SysML, Cameo, or similar MBSE tools
Background in software development using languages such as C, C++, Python, or similar technologies
Experience with Linux-based embedded, distributed, or networked systems
Experience supporting highly regulated, mission-critical, safety-critical, or high-reliability environments
INCOSE CSEP, ESEP, or similar systems engineering certifications
Soft Skills:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities
Proven ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional engineering teams
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills
Exceptional attention to detail and documentation quality
Ability to influence technical decisions without direct authority
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Ability to manage competing priorities and complex technical initiatives
Self-motivated with a proactive and continuous improvement mindset
Strong mentoring and leadership capabilities
Technology Stack:
DOORS
Jama
Polarion
Jira
SysML
Cameo
Requirements management and traceability platforms
Configuration management and change control systems
C and C++
Python
Linux-based systems
Communications networking technologies
Microsoft Office Suite
Engineering collaboration and documentation platforms
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods
Ability to review technical documentation, requirements specifications, architecture diagrams, and verification artifacts
Ability to participate in technical reviews, requirements reviews, design reviews, and cross-functional collaboration sessions
Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while performing systems engineering and documentation activities
May require occasional travel to support engineering reviews, integration activities, or stakeholder engagements
This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.