Principal Systems Engineer

Principal Systems EngineerLeidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Principal Systems Engineer in our Intelligence Sector's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management.At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in National Security!Leidos supports critical missions within the Directorate of Operations and Directorate of Cybersecurity, delivering systems engineering solutions that enable cryptanalysis, foreign intelligence operations, and protection of National Security Systems. Our team explores, designs, and integrates emerging technologies to provide the nation with a decisive advantage over adversaries.We're seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to define technical vision and lead large-scale systems engineering initiatives supporting DO and CSD missions. You'll establish architectural direction for emerging technologies, conduct strategic analysis of alternatives, and serve as senior technical advisor to Government stakeholders while driving innovation in cryptologic and cybersecurity capabilities.Primary ResponsibilitiesDefine technical vision and architectural approaches for complex cryptologic and cybersecurity systemsLead strategic requirements analysis, solution design, and value modeling for emerging technologiesConduct comprehensive analysis of alternatives and risk assessments for mission-critical systemsDevelop enterprise-level CONOPs, system architectures, and technical documentationProvide senior technical oversight for integration, testing, and deployment of complex systemsEstablish and enforce systems engineering methodologies aligned with NSA policies and best practicesServe as senior technical advisor to Government stakeholders; mentor engineering teamsAssess and improve organizational processes to facilitate strategic mission objectivesQualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering plus 10 years of relevant experience, OR Master's plus 8 years, OR Doctoral plus 6 yearsAlternatively: Bachelor's/Master's/Doctoral in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics with equivalent experienceFor non-ABET programs: degree must include differential and integral calculus plus 5 of 18 specified technical areas*Active TS/SCI with polygraph clearance requiredProven senior technical leadership on complex, large-scale cryptologic or cybersecurity programsDeep expertise in requirements engineering, analysis of alternatives, and value modelingExperience establishing technical vision and driving architectural innovationAbility to work in a SCIF environment and travel CONUS/OCONUS as neededIf you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.