Holt Executive is Hiring – Principal Systems Engineer (Space & RF Systems) Holt Executive is partnering with a leading space technology company to find a highly skilled Principal Systems Engineer to lead the development of advanced multi-function RF, processing, networking, and data storage units for space applications. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge aerospace systems, drive engineering innovation, and contribute to next-generation space missions.
About the Role: As a Principal Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex system development, ensuring successful design, integration, and execution of mission-critical technologies. You will play a key role in applying systems engineering methodologies across product development lifecycles while collaborating with program managers to meet technical, cost, and schedule objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead engineering teams in the design and development of complex RF, networking, and data storage systems for space applications.
- Oversee systems engineering processes, including technical baseline management, requirements verification, and validation.
- Collaborate with program management to ensure project execution within scope, cost, and schedule.
- Act as the technical point of contact (POC), representing the engineering team in both internal and external (customer) design reviews.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship, fostering innovation and cross-discipline collaboration.
- Support proposal efforts, R&D initiatives, and new business opportunities.
- Drive system analysis, trade studies, and risk assessments to optimize system performance.
- Ensure compliance with space industry standards and mission-critical reliability requirements.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field.
- 10+ years of experience, including 3+ years in a technical leadership role.
- Expertise in complex electronic system design, including PCBAs, mission software, FPGA firmware, and mechanical structures.
- Proficiency in systems engineering methodologies for space-grade product development.
- Experience with Xilinx family devices, including Zynq UltraScale+ or Versal architecture.
- Strong knowledge of VPX standards (VITA 46 and VITA 65) and embedded hardware development.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams (hardware, software, firmware, integration & test) through development cycles.
- Strong understanding of balancing technical performance with cost and schedule constraints.
- US Citizenship required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- MS or PhD in a STEM field.
- Experience with space industry product development lifecycles and high-reliability electronics.
- Knowledge of signal processing, high-speed data design, mixed-signal analysis, and network protocols.
- Experience with CAD tools (PSpice, LTspice, Altium, SOLIDWORKS, etc.) and systems engineering tools (MATLAB, Simulink, STK, MBSE, etc.).
Benefits:
- Competitive health benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance).
- Paid time off, holidays, and parental leave.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions.
- Tuition reimbursement and career development opportunities.
- Potential for annual bonuses.
If you are an experienced Principal Systems Engineer looking to lead innovative space technology projects, apply today or reach out to Holt Executive to learn more!
