This role pays less than
58%
of similar roles. Most pay
$156,600–$216,262
— the shaded band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$188k
versus about
$186k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About General Dynamics
General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company offering a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation, ship construction, land combat vehicles, and information technology. It serves customers in the U.S. government, allied governments, and a diverse array of commercial markets.
General Dynamics currently has
1132 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$124,397–$151,803
across 993 roles with salary data.
As a Senior Principal Systems Engineer, you will lead the technical definition, architecture, integration, verification, and sustainment of Free-Space Optical communications systems and associated modem, test, and support equipment. You will manage the full systems-engineering lifecycle, converting customer needs into measurable requirements while developing system architectures and technical baselines. Your daily work involves leading the integration of complex hardware and software components including cameras, lasers, fiber-optic systems, modems, FPGAs, and embedded software across airborne, land, sea, subsea, and space contexts. You will utilize MBSE and digital-engineering tools like Cameo/MagicDraw and SysML to model behaviors and ensure traceability. The role requires expertise in electrical engineering, electro-optics, and mechanical interfaces to solve complex communication challenges. You will also mentor engineers, conduct technical reviews, and manage cross-functional risks for mission-critical defense and aerospace programs.
What does a Systems Engineer earn?
Median $152000 from 248 postings across 36 companies.
Lead the systems engineering lifecycle from initial concept development through integration, verification, and sustainment of FSO communications systems.
Convert customer and user needs into measurable, verifiable requirements with appropriate technical baselines and verification methods.
Develop and maintain system architectures, operational concepts, and MBSE artifacts using tools like Cameo/MagicDraw and SysML.
Lead the technical integration of hardware, software, firmware, and optical equipment across airborne, land, sea, subsea, and space domains.
Manage complex interfaces between electrical, optical, mechanical, and software engineering disciplines to resolve design gaps and risks.
Conduct technical reviews and brief senior leadership on project status, risks, and recommendations.
Support proposal development, including technical volumes, basis-of-estimate calculations, and risk assessments.
Mentor junior engineers and develop technical leaders by delegating responsibility and sharing critical program knowledge.
What we're looking for
U.S. citizenship is required.
TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance is required at time of hire.
Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or a related STEM field, or a Master's degree plus 8 years of experience.
10+ years of job-related experience if holding a Bachelor's degree.
Experience across the lifecycle of system design, integration, test, verification, deployment, and sustainment.
Technical fluency in electrical engineering, electro-optics, embedded/software systems, and mechanical interfaces for optical communication systems.
Experience with MBSE/digital-engineering tools like Cameo/MagicDraw or SysML models to manage requirements and traceability.
Agentic AI
Cloud Native
SDLC
System Design
API
Identity and Access Management
Event-driven Systems
Platform Engineering
Automation
Software Frameworks
Security
Refactoring
Test Modernization