Principal Systems Engineer

Leonardo DRS is a prime contractor, leading technology innovator and supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and defense contractors worldwide. The company specializes in naval and maritime systems, ground combat mission command and network computing, global satellite communications and network infrastructure, avionics systems, and intelligence and security solutions. Additionally, the company builds power systems and electro-optical/infrared systems for a wide range of commercial customers. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Leonardo DRS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leonardo S.p.A. For additional information on DRS, please visit our website at

Job ID: 111854

The Leonardo DRS Land Systems business is a recognized leader in the design and integration of complex technologies into new and legacy systems and platforms for global military and commercial customers. We are a 4 year running Top Workplace in the Greater St. Louis area.

Job Summary

Leonardo DRS Land Systems is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead the development and integration of Electro-Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) (NIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) system payloads into Mission Equipment Packages (MEPs) to increase combat capability, lethality, and survivability of legacy and next-generation combat vehicles. This position is in Bridgeton, MO and the candidate would be responsible for guiding technical activities for the systems engineering, integration, and test of new and/or existing electro-optical systems/sub-systems. The successful candidate will provide technical expertise and communicate effectively with engineering and management stakeholders while operating in a fast-paced integrated product team environment.

Job Responsibilities
Perform systems engineering and requirements management throughout the product lifecycle:
Architectural design
Requirements engineering
SE documentation
Risk management, and
Verification and validation
Conduct EO/IR sensor selection trade studies
Complete EO/IR sensor modeling to predict system performance during the design phase
Support the selection of EO/IR image chain components (sensor through processor to display)
Employ EO/IR sensor performance testing techniques (including ruggedization techniques and design practices)
Employ EO/IR sensor bore sighting methodologies
Guide the technical activities of electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to develop and deliver an EO/IR-based systems that meet the system requirements and customer's expectations
Support the evaluation of EO/IR suppliers and writing supplier specifications and SOWs for acquiring EO/IR components, subsystems, and services
Support efforts to ensure the team identifies, mitigates, and resolves program risks and issues starting early in the development cycle
Lead problem resolution efforts and support attaining customer confidence
Participate in the preparation of highly technical proposals
Provide labor estimates and schedule input for design assignments
Responsible for completion of activities on time and budget
Drive the program design to cost and design for manufacture requirements
Provide technical knowledge and assistance to other engineers and support personnel
Communicate clearly (written and verbal) with manufacturing, supply chain, program management and the customer as required
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
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, Optoelectronics, or related discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum of 8 years of systems engineering experience, at least 3 years involving EO/IR integration and testing
Solid understanding of other engineering disciplines (electrical, mechanical, software, test, system safety, human factors)
Experience working within the defense industry and delivering solutions to the appropriate standards
Excellent analytical and communication skills, both written (reports, proposals, white papers) and verbal (technical presentations)

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires 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 $113,740.00/year - $176,581.00/year for the state of Illinois. 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.

Leonardo DRS Land Systems division is a recognized world leader in the integration of complex technologies into legacy systems and platforms for military and commercial customers globally. DRS Land Systems offers a diverse portfolio of military products and technologies focused on battlefield reconnaissance and surveillance, survivability, lethality, heavy transport mobility, fuel and water distribution, radar and electronic systems testing. Headquartered in Bridgeton, MO with a 100- acre heavy equipment manufacturing facility in West Plains, MO, and a site in Goleta, GA.

DRS Land Systems offers a comprehensive benefits plan designed to meet the needs of all our employees:

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Pet insurance

401K retirement plan

Employee Stock Purchase plan

Short-term and long-term disability coverage

Life insurance

Vacation & Health & Emergency leave

Paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Student loan repayment

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible work schedule