Sr. Principal Systems Engineer / Technical Program Manager (onsite)

Sr. Principal Systems Engineer / Technical Program Manager

Applied Signal Technology (AST) is seeking a Sr. Principal Systems Engineer / Technical Program Manager to join our Advanced Technology Division (ATD). AST provides trusted Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Cyber solutions for the U.S. and its partners. AST's work in real-time signal processing, high-capacity broadband communications, modern signals and telecom protocols, wireless communications, passive and active techniques, precision geolocation of RF emitters, real-time data analysis and sense-making, multi-INT ISR, and data network operations provides a technically challenging – yet rewarding – environment. AST's Quick Reaction Capabilities (QRC) and direct on-mission customer engagement provides the opportunity to see how one's efforts directly impact customer missions. AST's work environment is passionate, highly collaborative, and provides employees the freedom to strengthen and expand one's skills, explore new and creative ideas, and work closely with customers.

This is an ONSITE position at our Dulles, VA location.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and work effectively and collaboratively in a team environment. A strong work ethic, flexibility, and adaptability are essential to respond to customer and mission-critical needs as they arise. Must be comfortable in representing the company in various situations, sometimes as the sole representative.

What You Will Do:

• Provide systems engineering on new and existing capabilities, lead technical projects and programs
• Lead and consult on various captures and develop and propose new concepts and solutions to customers
• Work closely with customers, senior management, and cross-disciplined technical staff to thoroughly understand customer objectives and then to direct and help develop solutions
• May oversee or lead Research and Development projects that extend into advanced technology exploration
• Systems engineering functions such as concept development and engineering design
• Extensive interaction with customers, program management, capture management, proposal management, pipeline development, new customer outreach
• Lead teams of engineers, presenting formal presentations in front of large groups, conducting detailed reviews, handling multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, innovating and providing strategic direction, and making critical decisions while under pressure.
• Consult on new business and technical initiatives, including the generation of white papers, Rough Order Magnitude estimates (ROMs), and Gate Review packages
• Understand customer objectives and concepts, extending those concepts into a workable architecture/design as customer objectives become clearer and as new objectives emerge
• Travel Requirement: Domestic travel up to 25% to customer and partner locations, as well as other RTX locations.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience on STEM-related Program and/or Capture Projects.
• 10 years' experience combined in the defense and/or intelligence industry as a systems engineer / project engineer / program manager, and experience in direct customer interaction
• Previous Program Management experience is required, as this position will require management of complex technical programs that are critical to the future of the company. Demonstrated knowledge of program management processes for execution of complex programs
• Experience in proposal and capture management; including full process for competitive proposals.
• Established professional connections within the Defense and/or Intelligence Communities, possess documented knowledge of acquisition practices, and have verifiable experience working with various organizations and government customers.
• Active and transferable Top Secret SCI (TS/SCI) U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain a polygraph after start.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Qualifications We Prefer:

• 10 years' experience as lead for multiple SIGINT, COMINT, or MASINT applications / products / programs
• 10 years combined in the intelligence industry or defense industry, as lead technical engineer, or experience in direct customer technical interaction, preferably government customers
• Experience in leading captures and proposals, including capture management and proposal management – practical experience and/or formal training
• Practical knowledge of SIGINT customer Concept of Operations (ConOps) and experience in support of deployed products/systems
• Understanding of telecommunications and data communications system concepts and/or digital signal processing (DSP)
• Strong understanding of broadband communications including network operations, transport structures and switching equipment; or deep understanding of a related area and the demonstrated ability to come up to speed quickly
• Active Project Manager Professional certification through the Project Management Training Institute
• Experience in providing oversight on various programs, as well as oversight on various technical projects is desired.
• Breadth of engineering experience and expertise
• Ensure satisfaction of customer technical objectives within cost and schedule constraints
• Expert in creating and maintaining relationships, both internal to the company and external
• Strong experience managing people, adept at the soft skills required for management; a leader will be required to mentor and retain staff
• Master's degree in business or a STEM related field.
• Formal training in proposal and capture management for federal business (Shipley or other industry recognized institution)
• Active and Existing TS/SCI with Polygraph within the last 24 months.

What We Offer:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• Eligible for relocation
• And More!

Join our mission today. Are you up for the challenge? By joining our team, you'll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow.