Sr Principal Systems Engineer

Aleron
United States, Florida, Melbourne
Oct 11, 2025
Description ACARA Solutions and our client in Melbourne, FL, have a direct hire position Sr. Principal Systems Engineer $160,000-$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. 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. Here's what you'll get: Pay: $160k - $200k Hours: 9x80 schedule Type: Direct Hire 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. Job Requirements Qualifications Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 10 years of experience Mastery of technologies and domain knowledge Expected to have knowledge and significant experience in multiple engineering disciplines including Electro-optic and Infrared Imaging Systems Ability to lead major problem resolution efforts and support regaining or attaining customer partner status 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. Apply