Senior Principal System Engineer
Acara Solutions, An Aleron Company
Melbourne, Florida, United States (On-site)
ACARA Solutions and our client in Melbourne, FL have a DIRECT HIRE position available for a Sr. Principal Systems Engineer
$140,00-$200,000 DOE Position Title: Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Electro-Optical / Infrared (EO/IR) Location: Melbourne, FL Employment Type: Direct, Full-Time Hire Clearance: U.S. Citizenship required Relocation package is available Overview We are seeking an experienced Sr. Principal Systems Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems used in defense applications. The ideal candidate is a technical leader with deep experience in system architecture, requirements development, and cross-discipline coordination within a classified or ITAR-controlled environment. Key Responsibilities
- Lead the architecture, design, and integration of EO/IR sensors and subsystems for land, air, or maritime platforms.
- Define and manage system-level requirements, specifications, and interfaces.
- Oversee hardware and software integration, ensuring performance, reliability, and compliance with design-to-cost objectives.
- Conduct and lead technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and coordinate with customers on design and performance updates.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to multi-disciplinary teams, including optics, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers.
- Collaborate with program management, quality, and manufacturing to ensure successful system deployment and production readiness.
- Evaluate and select sensor components, subsystems, and suppliers; support prototype development and test activities.
- Participate in proposal and capture efforts, contributing to technical volumes, cost estimates, and design concepts.
- Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including customers and suppliers.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Systems, Optical, or related Engineering field; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in systems engineering or a related discipline within the defense or aerospace industry.
- Proven experience with EO/IR systems, including imaging sensors, laser systems, targeting pods, or similar technologies.
- Strong understanding of systems architecture, requirements management, integration, and verification.
- Ability to lead complex technical projects from concept through production.
- Demonstrated experience interfacing with customers, suppliers, and program leadership.
- U.S. Citizenship required; ability to obtain or maintain a DoD clearance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with DOORS, Cameo, SysML, or similar requirements and modeling tools.
- Knowledge of MIL-STD environments and DoD program lifecycle.
- Hands-on experience with integration, testing, or troubleshooting of optical systems.
- Previous leadership in proposal development or new business capture.
- Active Secret or higher clearance strongly preferred.
Why This Role
- Work on cutting-edge EO/IR defense technologies supporting mission-critical applications.
- Be part of a collaborative, high-impact engineering team driving innovation in sensor systems.
- Opportunity for career growth, technical leadership, and long-term program impact.
- Seniority Level
Mid-Senior level - Industry
- Defense and Space Manufacturing
- Employment Type
Full-time - Job Functions
- Skills
- Business Leadership
- Infrared Thermal I
Here's what you'll get:
Pay: $160k - $200k
Hours: 9x80 schedule
Type: Direct Hire Sounds like a good fit? APPLY TODAY About Acara Solutions Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide. Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field
- Minimum of 10 years of experience
Here's what sets you apart from other candidates that our clients prefer:
- Knowledge and significant experience in Electro-Optics and Infrared Systems
- Ability to lead major problem resolution efforts and support regaining or attaining customer partner status
- Mastery of technologies
- Domain knowledge
Additional Information:
- Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check and a drug screen.
- In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
- Successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a [Secret/Top Secret/etc.] DoD security clearance.
Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran. Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.
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Aleron
Oct 11, 2025