Principal Systems Engineer

Nightwing is seeking a Systems Engineer to serve as deputy manager of a multi-disciplinary engineering work center specializing in systems integration with an emphasis on RF communications. This position is located on-site in the Sterling, Virginia area.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to developing project milestones and maintaining the project IMS and budget to ensure organizational objectives are met. The successful candidate must be a self-starter comfortable with customers and leading highly technical engineering teams. The candidate must also possess the ability to multi-task across multiple projects, adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, effectively network, and communicate to all levels of the organization and drive processes to successful completion in support of aggressive schedules.

Must be a US Citizen with an active TS/SCI clearance with Poly and be crossover eligible.

Required Skills:

Minimum of 8 years of experience

Experience leading small to medium sized engineering projects

Ability to work well in a constantly evolving work environment

Ability to work with and coordinate with internal and external customers, develop plans and execute to budgets/timelines as required.

Ability to work and deliver on short response tasking in a potentially fast paced potentially environment

Ability to effectively manage several projects simultaneously while balancing resources

Demonstrated skills in using Microsoft Project to incorporate and implement modifications to the project IMS

Ability to develop and present briefings to corporate and customer leadership

Excellent communication and organizational skills; able to articulate intent, frame requirements, set priorities, develop practical methods, and align resources to meet goals.

Understanding of RF theory, wireless/SIGINT technologies, microwave principles and system/subsystem-level analysis methodologies.

Expert with use of the Microsoft Office Productivity Suite (Word, Excel, etc)

Experience in requirements development

Experience with at least one of the following programming languages (Python, C++, or C#)

Basic understanding or experience with database architecture

Experience developing software and hardware requirements

A solid background in Linux including installing the O/S, installing applications, scripting, using VI Editor, and configuring the network

Desired Skills:

Ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities

Strong working knowledge of the radio frequency spectrum and modern communication infrastructures to include signal structures, propagation, modulation types, data rates, multiplexing/demultiplexing methods, as well as associated equipment to include transmitters, receivers and processing suites.

Experience using standard RF and electrical test equipment to include signal generators, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and multi-meters.

Sets objectives for own job area to meet project/assignments goals.

Familiarity with HW/SW integration, test processes and procedures.

Ability to work in a dynamic team environment, adaptable to change, and thrive in an atmosphere that requires trust, initiative, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills.

Ability to manage the engineering team and foster a work environment that allows the team to flourish and grow

Ability to meet the demands of a challenging operations environments.

A solid background in Linux including installing the O/S, installing applications, scripting, using VI Editor, and configuring the network

Required Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM). Additional work experience may also be considered in lieu of degree.

About Cybersecurity, Intelligence and Services

The Cybersecurity, Intelligence and Services (CIS) business provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. CIS brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation’s most mission impactful initiatives.

When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world’s most technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions.

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.