Principal Systems Engineer

Posted Yesterday
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Phoenix, AZ, USA
Hybrid
Expert/Leader
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Machine Learning • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
In an era of dynamic change, Aerospace is addressing the most complex challenges in space.
The Role
Leads digital tools and transformation across aerospace systems engineering. Responsibilities include developing digital threads, implementing MBSE and requirements-based workflows, administering IBM ELM tools, integrating requirements, MBSE, CAD, and PLM systems, managing Agile workstreams, guiding matrixed engineers, and ensuring traceability, configuration control, process compliance, and audit readiness.
Summary Generated by Built In

We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to lead the Digital Tools and Transformation within the Systems Organization at Phoenix Engines and Power Systems. In this role, you will lead the development of Systems tools and processes in support of digital thread, model-based systems engineering, requirements-based engineering, new product development, and digital transformation. You will support and lead the alignment of our digital tools and processes to our Systems plans and ARP4754. Where conflict between plans and process arise or gaps in tool capability exist, you will be responsible for developing implementable solutions to address those issues. The successful candidate will also have a strong background in project management and have excellent communication skills. This role combines advanced technical tool development, strategic digital transformation leadership, and matrixed team management using Scaled Agile methodologies.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

  • Digital Thread Development: Design, build, and support the digital thread to ensure seamless data traceability across the full product lifecycle from requirements to manufacturing.
  • Lead Digital Transformation: Drive strategic workstreams to modernize engineering tools, digitize legacy data, and transition to advanced Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) workflows within the Systems organization and across Engines and Power Systems.
  • Agile Execution: Act as a Workstream Lead or Product Owner within SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) or Scrum environments to deliver tool features iteratively.
  • Manage IBM ELM: Oversee configuration, user access, and provide recommendations for upgrades for IBM DOORS Next, Engineering Workflow Management (EWM), and Quality Manager (QM).
  • Indirect Leadership: Provide functional guidance, set priorities, and assign tasks to a matrixed team of 2–5 Process Assurance Engineers.
  • Integrate Tools: Build and maintain connections between IBM ELM, MBSE software (Cameo, MagicDraw), and CAD/PLM tools.
  • Define Workflows: Create and enforce digital workflows for aerospace requirement management, traceability, and configuration control.
  • Oversee Process Audits: Partner with process assurance to audit tool data and ensure full lifecycle compliance.
Qualifications

YOU MUST HAVE

  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 10+ years in aerospace or defense engineering, with clear experience leading transformational efforts and managing tool ecosystems.
  • 3+ years of experience with aerospace requirement traceability, change management, and V&V processes.
  • 5+ years of experience with project execution, cost, schedule, and risk management.
  • 3+ years of experience with administration and configuration for the IBM ELM / Rational toolset.

WE VALUE

  • Digital Thread Expertise: Practical knowledge of linking disparate data silos (Requirements, CAD, PLM, Manufacturing, and Testing) into a cohesive digital thread.
  • Agile Frameworks: Solid experience working within SAFe, Scrum, or Kanban frameworks, including participating in PI Planning and managing a backlog.
  • Change Leadership: Proven track record of leading digital transformation initiatives or engineering tool migrations in a fast-paced environment.
  • Leadership Skills: Proven ability to mentor, lead, and direct matrixed team members without direct authority.
  • Process Assurance: Strong understanding of aerospace quality assurance, process compliance, and audit standards.
  • SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), or INCOSE ASEP/CSEP.

US PERSONS REQUIREMENT

Due to U.S. export control laws, candidates must be U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or have protected status under asylum or refugee.

About us:

Join a company that's reintroducing itself to the aviation community we've helped advance for more than a century. At Honeywell Aerospace (NASDAQ: HONA), we're launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a legacy of operational excellence and mission-focused execution. 

Our new brand identity pairs that heritage with real momentum, as we build technology that helps pilots navigate with confidence, aircraft operate more efficiently, and operators stay ahead of change. With our systems on board 90% of the world's aircraft, your work here has reach that's rare to find anywhere else.

Focusing on our customers, investing in innovation, and building a culture of accountability and performance is how we're shaping what comes next.

Every horizon. Every mission. Every day.

Benefits:

Beyond a performance-driven salary, you'll work alongside dedicated experts on technology that's advancing aviation. As a Honeywell Aerospace employee, you're eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision and life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts
  • Employee assistance program and educational assistance
  • Parental leave and 12 paid holidays
  • Paid time off for vacation, personal and sick time

Explore your benefits: https://honeywellaerospacebenefits.com/

POSTING TIMELINE

The application period for the job is estimated to be 40 days from the job posting date; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
  • 10+ years of experience in aerospace or defense engineering
  • Experience leading transformational efforts and managing engineering tool ecosystems
  • 3+ years of experience with aerospace requirements traceability, change management, and verification and validation processes
  • 5+ years of experience with project execution, cost, schedule, and risk management
  • 3+ years of experience administering and configuring the IBM ELM or Rational toolset
  • Practical knowledge of digital thread integration across requirements, CAD, PLM, manufacturing, and testing
  • Experience with SAFe, Scrum, or Kanban, including PI Planning and backlog management
  • Experience leading digital transformation initiatives or engineering tool migrations
  • Ability to mentor, lead, and direct matrixed team members without direct authority
  • Understanding of aerospace quality assurance, process compliance, and audit standards
  • SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager, Certified ScrumMaster, or INCOSE ASEP/CSEP certification
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or have protected status under asylum or refugee status

The Aerospace Corporation Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about The Aerospace Corporation and has not been reviewed or approved by The Aerospace Corporation.

  • Retirement Support The 401(k) plan provides a company‑paid contribution of 8–12% based on years of service with immediate eligibility and vesting, and eligible employees can access retiree medical benefits.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth Paid time off includes 15 vacation days (rising to 20 after five years), nine paid holidays, and unlimited sick time for exempt employees with accruals for non‑exempt staff.
  • Flexible Benefits Flexible work models include a 9/80 schedule with alternating Fridays off, supported by backup care services, an EAP, relocation assistance, and home‑office stipends where applicable.

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The Company
HQ: Chantilly, VA
4,600 Employees
Year Founded: 1960

What We Do

The space enterprise has been transformed by rapid change and growth. New vehicles for national security space, a more rapid launch cadence, proliferated satellite constellations, the pursuit of interplanetary exploration, and thriving commercial ventures are changing the nature of the space industry. The Aerospace Corporation (Aerospace) is a leading architect for U.S. space programs, shaping efforts to outpace threats to our national security while cultivating the technologies needed to further this new era of space commercialization and exploration. Aerospace works across the space enterprise in service of the public interest. In addition to supporting the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community, our customers include NASA, NOAA, numerous federal agencies, and commercial space — all of whom benefit from our deep technical knowledge. We only pursue business related to the space mission and complementary fields, operating as the nation’s trusted partner to solve the toughest challenges and develop reliable and innovative technologies. Innovation in space occurs when people have the freedom to imagine and do. At Aerospace, we take pride in our readiness to solve some of the most complex challenges in the space enterprise.

Why Work With Us

We are a non-profit corporation chartered by the government to work on the hardest problems in space. We employ technical experts in every discipline of space-related science and engineering who touch every part of the US space program. Come join us as we make an impact bigger than ourselves.

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