Principal Systems Engineer - ISR SME

Job Locations

3 hours ago(8/11/2025 3:53 PM)

Job ID

2025-11683

Posted Date

Engineering

Job Location

US-VA-McLean

Company Overview

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR). QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend. Why Join QinetiQ US? If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives. Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Principal Systems Engineer with specialized expertise in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems to serve as the primary technical interface and oversight authority for ISR subsystems within the Airspace and Surface Radar Reconnaissance (ASRR) system. The ISR capabilities are delivered by a subcontractor as part of the integrated sensor payload on a 420K strategic aerostat platform. This role focuses on technical oversight, contractor management, and serving as the internal technical authority to evaluate contractor deliverables, challenge technical approaches, and bridge knowledge gaps for the broader engineering team. Responsibilities

Subcontractor Technical Oversight: Serve as the lead technical point of contact with the ISR subcontractor for all Integrated Product Team (IPT) matters Review and assess contractor deliverables including ISR system architectures, sensor integration designs, data processing algorithms, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), test plans, test results, and technical documentation Question contractor approaches, assumptions, and deliverables using deep ISR expertise to identify potential issues other team members cannot assess Identify technical risks in contractor proposals and work products that may impact ASRR ISR performance, cost, schedule, or intelligence collection effectiveness Technical Resource and Knowledge Bridge: Serve as the internal technical authority on ISR systems, providing guidance to program management and engineering teams lacking specialized intelligence collection and surveillance knowledge Identify and communicate technical knowledge gaps between contractor deliverables and ISR operational requirements Translate complex ISR technical concepts for non-specialist team members and stakeholders Provide technical recommendations to program leadership for ISR contractor-related decisions IPT and TIM Participation: Participate in Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) representing the prime contractor's technical position on ISR subsystem and component matters Evaluate contractor technical positions and provide informed recommendations on acceptance or rejection of ISR contractor approaches Coordinate technical interfaces between ISR sensors and other ASRR subsystems including aerostat platform, ELINT systems, communications, and ground processing stations Contractor Deliverable Management: Evaluate contractor-provided ISR documentation for technical accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contract requirements Review and approve Interface Control Documents ensuring proper ISR integration with overall ASRR system architecture and multi-intelligence data fusion requirements Assess contractor ISR test plans and results to ensure adequate verification of sensor performance, data quality, and intelligence product generation Verify contractor deliverables meet military standards, ISR-specific requirements, and intelligence community protocols Technical Problem Resolution: Lead technical investigations when ISR contractor deliverables or performance do not meet expectations Assess contractor-proposed solutions to ISR technical problems using expertise to determine viability and operational impact Provide independent technical judgment when contractor ISR approaches may not be optimal for mission requirements Identify when ISR technical issues require program-level intervention or contract modification Program Technical Support: Ensure contractor understanding and implementation of ISR-specific requirements within overall ASRR system context Monitor contractor progress on ISR sensor integration with aerostat platform and cross-cueing with other collection systems Evaluate contractor ISR system performance against contract requirements and operational intelligence collection needs Provide regular technical status reports to program management on ISR contractor performance and technical issues

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related STEM field Experience: Minimum 14 years of experience in ISR systems engineering, intelligence collection systems, or surveillance system development Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing technical subcontractors on complex ISR or intelligence programs Hands-on experience with multi-sensor ISR systems, sensor fusion, and intelligence product generation Experience serving as technical authority interfacing with program management and customer organizations on intelligence programs Technical Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of ISR system design, collection techniques, processing algorithms, and operational limitations Expertise in multi-sensor integration, data fusion techniques, and cross-cueing between different intelligence collection modalities Experience with electro-optical/infrared sensors, synthetic aperture radar, moving target indicators, and other ISR sensor technologies Understanding of intelligence requirements, collection management, and intelligence product dissemination Critical Skills: Demonstrated ability to make sound technical decisions regarding ISR systems in ambiguous situations with incomplete information Strong ability to communicate complex ISR technical concepts to diverse audiences including non-technical stakeholders Proven track record of identifying ISR technical flaws or performance issues that others have missed Experience working with classified ISR requirements and maintaining appropriate security protocols Specialized Knowledge: Deep understanding of sensor technologies including EO/IR cameras, radar systems, and associated processing equipment Experience with real-time data processing, exploitation systems, and intelligence analysis workflows Knowledge of ISR platform integration challenges including power, cooling, data bandwidth, and pointing accuracy requirements Understanding of intelligence customer requirements and operational employment of ISR systems Tools and Standards: Applied experience with systems engineering lifecycle management tools (Innoslate MBSE, Cameo Magic Draw, DOORS Next, or equivalent) Familiarity with military standards (MIL-STD, MIL-PRF) and ISR-specific compliance requirements Experience with contractor technical review processes and deliverable evaluation methodologies for classified systems Additional Requirements: Must be eligible for U.S. government security clearance (Secret minimum) or possess current clearance Limited travel required for contractor site visits and technical reviews Ability to make objective technical assessments independent of contractor influence or program pressure Prior experience with Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contracts and international ISR programs highly desirable Experience with defense contractor management and technical oversight on classified programs preferred

Company EEO Statement

Accessibility/Accommodation: If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 4 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information. QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.