PNT Senior Systems Engineer

** Due to the classified nature of our work, U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must be willing to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

Location: Cedar Rapids IA, preferred, but open to El Segundo, CA, Nashua, NH, Mukilteo, WA, Sunnyvale, CA

About Us

Pacific Defense develops advanced electronics systems for the U.S. Department of Defense and commercial customers. Specializing in Open Systems Architecture solutions for electromagnetic spectrum warfare, we deliver modular, rapidly reconfigurable systems in less than half the time of traditional contractors. Our expertise spans Radar, EW, SIGINT, and Communications, combined with a go-fast execution model leveraging Open Standards like SOSA, CMOSS, and MORA. With facilities across the country and a diverse team, we drive innovation in signal processing, algorithm development, cognitive systems, and systems integration. Join us to advance your career and tackle national defense challenges.

We are seeking a PNT Senior Systems Engineer to advance Pacific Defense’s Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technologies and capabilities. This Engineer will provide engineering analyses to evaluate current and future PNT performance, develop engineering concepts and designs to satisfy complex client requirements in challenging environments, and prepare and present PNT concepts, designs, and analysis presentations to influence internal investments and new business opportunities. Pacific Defense has multiple active Assured PNT Programs that require execution leadership from requirements development through hands-on testing. This position is ideal for the person who is equally comfortable with writing requirements or driving test equipment.

Pacific Defense is a small company where decisions can be made quickly and the typical large company barriers to execution don’t exist. Although this job is focused on Assured PNT technologies, if you have experience with Communications, SIGINT, Electronic Warfare and/or Integrated Systems, Pacific Defense we’d like to hear about it. Pacific Defense has many opportunities within the company for multi-domain expertise and growth.

Requirements

Responsibilities: 

Technical Baseline Development: 

• Develop and maintain technical baselines that meet contractual requirements across multiple programs, aligning with diverse product specifications. 

• Integrate requirements from various projects to ensure consistency and feasibility within the technical baseline. 

Program Execution: 

• Manage program execution within established cost and schedule baselines, effectively handling multiple funding sources. 

• Coordinate financial and resource allocation across different funding streams to ensure optimal program performance and adherence to budget constraints. 

System Architecture and Evaluation: 

• Understand and analyze the architecture of navigation and timing systems, ensuring robust integration and performance. 

• Define and utilize key metrics to evaluate the performance, reliability, and accuracy of PNT systems. 

• Derive detailed requirements for various subsystems based on overall system architecture and performance evaluation metrics. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration: 

• Collaborate with software, hardware design, and FPGA teams to integrate system components and ensure successful project outcomes. 

• Facilitate communication and collaboration among diverse engineering disciplines to address challenges and drive innovation. 

Leadership and Mentorship: 

• Mentor junior engineers across multiple disciplines, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. 

• Lead the PNT product line, influencing the direction of technology and future initiatives through strategic planning and technical expertise. 

Integration and Testing: 

• Lead hands-on integration and testing efforts with software, hardware design, and FPGA teams to verify system performance, reliability, and compliance with specifications. 

Requirements Development and Oversight: 

• Lead program startup activities, including requirements development, task allocation, and execution oversight, ensuring projects are initiated with clear objectives and structured plans. 

Presentations and Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Prepare and present PNT concepts, designs, and analyses to influence internal investments and secure new business opportunities. 

• Effectively communicate technical information to stakeholders, both technical and non-technical. 

Requirements:  

• 8+ years of experience with engineering communications, PNT, Communications, and/or EW systems 

• BS degree in related technical field 

• Experience with proposal writing 

• Excellent oral and written communications 

• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and client-facing skills  

• Highly motivated and self-starting 

• Security Clearance: SECRET minimum with eligibility for TS/SCI a plus 

Benefits

Pacific Defense provides competitive salaries and immediately vested 401K match. We provide 100% coverage for the employee, and 75% coverage for dependents’ medical, dental, vision, and life insurance premiums, as well as a flexible spending account for incidental health care expenses. We offer paid time off and federal holidays to spend time with family, pursue outside interests, or just get some extra rest.

Pacific Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor.