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Senior Principal Systems Engineer

Edmund Optics
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, Arizona, Tucson
2650 East Elvira Road (Show on map)
Feb 02, 2026

Senior Principal Systems Engineer



Job Locations

US-AZ-Tucson

Type
Full Time



Overview

Systems engineers participate in the engineering and development of complex systems by setting objectives, guiding execution, analyzing the results, and suggesting corrective actions as necessary. Systems engineers manage technical requirements of the top-level system, subsystems, components and interrelated parts. At Edmund Optics (EO) specifically, systems engineers guide the development process of complex optical systems that typically include optical, mechanical, and electrical components. These engineers work with internal and external customers to fully understand and meet their needs.

A Sr Principal Systems Engineer directs a wide variety of tasks and activities relating to the planning, implementation, and documentation of some of the largest and most complex systems at EO. Additionally, they provide oversight and support on other high priority projects as necessary. They take a lead role in conversations with customers and other stakeholders to properly define system requirements and provide critical status updates. They competently and deftly direct EO resources to meet system requirements, address risk, and complete verification/validation activities. They assist in the development of more junior engineers and are a respected voice within the company and the industry at-large. They identify and direct process improvement opportunities within the department.



Responsibilities

    Based on the customer's needs, develop a ConOps and define stakeholder requirements
  • Derive component, subsystem and system requirements and manage those requirements over the life of the project
  • Analyze the impact of any proposed design changes on the system requirements
  • Define system architecture by identifying and decomposing system requirements to functional and behavioral elements
  • Develop a variety of models and views to support and facilitate the performance of systems engineering tasks throughout a system's life cycle
  • Evaluate technical readiness as it pertains to achieving system requirements and functionality
  • Evaluate manufacturing readiness as it pertains to a product's producibility
  • Identify project and product risks and escalate using the project's defined processes
  • Conduct trade studies and options analysis to balance cost, risk, and performance
  • Support system and subsystem integration, verification, and validation planning
  • Oversee all integration, verification, and validation activities
  • Troubleshoot and analyze failure data, including root cause and corrective action processes
  • Interface directly with customers to understand their needs and develop system requirements
  • Clearly communicate plans, status, and issues to key internal and external stakeholders
  • Collaborate with cross-functional colleagues to ensure high quality deliverables within organization guidelines, policies, and procedures
  • Generate training content and assist in the development of more junior engineers
  • Promote company expertise by authoring papers, participating in webinars, etc.
  • Engage in process improvement efforts within the department
  • Attend external training, seminars, and conferences to continue personal growth and further the technical exposure of the company


Qualifications

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Skills & Abilities

  • Knowledge of systems engineering principles
  • Knowledge of basic optical, mechanical, and electrical engineering concepts
  • Experience performing end-to-end product realization activities (implementation, integration, verification, validation, transition, etc.)
  • Experience managing technical requirements, risk, configuration, etc.
  • Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) techniques
  • Familiarity with Agile processes and techniques
  • Familiarity with planning and modeling software: MS Project, MS Visio, SysML, IBM Rational Rhapsody, or equivalent
  • Familiarity with one or more of the following tools: MS Excel, PowerBI, Matlab, Minitab, or equivalent
  • Strong technical writing skills for documentation of designs, plans, and procedures
  • Ability to communicate and collaborate well across different teams, disciplines, and cultures
  • US Citizenship or permanent residence required

Education/Experience

  • Undergraduate degree (graduate degree preferred) in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field and a minimum of 20 years of prior, relevant experience in the areas of systems engineering or systems test (preferably optics related). Formal systems engineering undergraduate or graduate degree desired but not mandatory.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time; ability to travel; work in office and manufacturing settings.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Think you meet some of the requirements but not all? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs for which they do not meet every qualification. If you see a role that interests you, we encourage you to apply, regardless of whether or not your experience is completely aligned with the job description. Edmund Optics is committed to becoming the most diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace within the Optics and Photonics Industry and beyond. You may be a great candidate for this role or others within Edmund Optics.

Compensation Range Transparency:

At Edmund Optics, we are committed to transparency and equity in our hiring practices. The posted salary range for this role reflects the expected base pay. The actual offer will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to relevant skills, education, work experience, business needs, and geographic location.

Salary Range:
$150,000 - $175,000 per year

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match up to 3%
  • Daycare and Gym Reimbursement
  • Paid Parental Leave and New Mother Benefits
  • Training and Development Opportunities

Availability of these benefits may depend on the country and employment type.

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