Senior Principal System Engineer
About the CompanyLeonard Workforce Solutions is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a leading engineering and manufacturing organization seeking a Senior Principal Systems Engineer to lead the development of highly complex optical systems. This is a senior level technical leadership role responsible for guiding cross functional teams through the full system lifecycle, from requirements definition through integration, verification, and validation. The ideal candidate will bring deep systems engineering expertise and experience working with optical, mechanical, and electrical subsystems in advanced product environments.About the RoleThe Senior Principal Systems Engineer directs planning, execution, and documentation efforts for some of the organization’s largest and most technically complex programs. This individual will serve as a primary technical interface with customers and stakeholders, define system architecture, manage requirements and risk, and ensure successful program execution.ResponsibilitiesDevelop Concepts of Operations and define stakeholder requirements based on customer needsDerive, decompose, and manage system, subsystem, and component requirements throughout the full lifecycleDefine and document system architecture and functional behaviorAnalyze and manage the impact of design changes on system level requirementsConduct trade studies and technical option analyses balancing cost, risk, and performanceEvaluate technical readiness and manufacturing readinessIdentify project and product risks and escalate appropriatelyLead system and subsystem integration, verification, and validation planning and executionTroubleshoot system level failures and lead root cause and corrective action effortsInterface directly with customers to define requirements and provide status updatesCommunicate plans, risks, and technical updates to executive leadership and cross functional teamsMentor and develop junior engineersDrive process improvement initiatives within the engineering organizationRepresent the company through technical publications, webinars, and industry engagement QualificationsUndergraduate degree in a STEM discipline. Graduate degree preferredMinimum of 20 years of relevant experience in systems engineering or systems test, preferably in optics related environmentsStrong knowledge of systems engineering principles and full product realization lifecycleExperience managing technical requirements, configuration management, and riskFamiliarity with model based systems engineering techniquesWorking knowledge of Agile methodologiesExperience with tools such as MS Project, MS Visio, SysML, IBM Rational Rhapsody, Excel, PowerBI, Matlab, or MinitabStrong technical writing and documentation skillsAbility to collaborate across disciplines including optical, mechanical, and electrical engineeringUS Citizenship or Permanent Residency required Pay range and compensation packageBase salary range: $150,000 to $175,000 annually. Final compensation will be based on experience, technical depth, and alignment with business needs.BenefitsMedical, Dental, and Vision InsuranceLife, AD&D, Short and Long Term Disability InsuranceGenerous Paid Time OffTuition Reimbursement401k with Company MatchDaycare and Gym ReimbursementPaid Parental LeaveOngoing Training and Development If you are a senior level systems engineering leader with deep technical expertise and experience driving complex engineering programs, we encourage you to apply. Leonard Workforce Solutions will maintain confidentiality throughout the search process.Equal Opportunity StatementLeonard Workforce Solutions is committed to diversity and inclusivity.