Principal/ Sr. Principal Communications Electronics Engineer

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Principal/Sr. Principal Communications Electronics Engineer based in the United States.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of advanced communications subsystems supporting complex mission-critical platforms. You’ll work across architecture, requirements, interfaces, integration, verification, and validation to help deliver reliable communications capabilities. The position combines hands-on technical engineering with supplier collaboration, technical analysis, and customer engagement. You’ll participate in architectural trade studies, risk assessments, laboratory integration, and technical design reviews. Success requires strong problem-solving skills, independent judgment, and the ability to translate complex technical requirements into effective solutions. You’ll collaborate with engineering teams, suppliers, customers, and program leadership in a highly technical environment. This is an on-site role in Melbourne, Florida, with a 9/80 schedule and every other Friday off.

Accountabilities

• Analyze network architectures and topologies for distributed communications applications and contribute to the development of functional subsystem architectures.
• Conduct technical trade studies for radio and integrated communications system (ICS) subsystem architectures, evaluating performance, risks, and mission requirements.
• Support the development, integration, testing, and validation of communications subsystems and components against platform mission objectives.
• Develop, manage, and verify technical requirements, interfaces, and allocated subsystem requirements throughout the engineering lifecycle.
• Work directly with communications suppliers to support the integration of radio and ICS systems into laboratory environments.
• Perform technical risk assessments, develop mitigation strategies, and track identified risks through resolution.
• Develop and maintain supplier documentation, including performance-based specifications, statements of work, and Interface Control Documents.
• Review supplier development documentation and participate in technical interchange meetings, design reviews, and supplier technical evaluations.
• Develop supplier evaluation criteria, conduct technical assessments, document findings, and support supplier selection when required.
• Support technical discussions with customers, program leadership, suppliers, and cross-functional engineering teams, providing clear technical recommendations and status updates.
• Contribute to technical planning, problem solving, and continuous improvement activities while working independently and managing priorities in a complex engineering environment.

Requirements

Principal level: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 5+ years of related engineering experience, or a Master’s degree with 3+ years, or a PhD with 1+ year of related experience.

Senior Principal level: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 8+ years of related professional or military engineering experience, or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 6+ years of related experience.

Experience with communications electronics, distributed communication architectures, radio systems, ICS, or related engineering technologies.

Demonstrated problem-solving and data-analysis capabilities, with the ability to evaluate complex technical information and develop effective solutions.

Ability to quickly assimilate new concepts, work independently, and operate effectively in a self-directed engineering environment.

Strong understanding of systems engineering concepts, including requirements management, interface definition, integration, verification, validation, and technical risk management.

Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to interact effectively with customers, suppliers, engineering teams, management, and other stakeholders.

Experience with supplier or subcontractor management is preferred.

Experience developing supplier documentation, performance-based specifications, statements of work, and technical evaluation criteria is preferred.

Experience reviewing supplier technical documentation and participating in technical interchange meetings and formal design reviews is preferred.

Security requirement: An active U.S. Government Secret clearance is required, with a background investigation within the past six years or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation. Candidates must also be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance and any additional program access required for the position.

U.S. citizenship is required due to government clearance and applicable program requirements.

Benefits

• Principal level salary range: $94,400–$147,600 USD.
• Senior Principal level salary range: $122,800–$184,200 USD.
• Compensation is determined based on factors including experience, education, skills, scope of responsibilities, and market conditions.
• Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differentials, and discretionary annual bonuses depending on the position.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings and retirement plan.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business.
• 9/80 work schedule, providing every other Friday off.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Full-time, on-site work in Melbourne, Florida.
• Approximately 10% travel may be required.