Principal Systems Engineer

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 as well as of the 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 Principal Systems Engineer leads a wide variety of tasks and activities relating to the planning, implementation, and documentation of some of the largest and most complex systems engineering projects at EO. They take a lead role in conversations with customers and other stakeholders in order 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. Additionally, they work to develop more junior engineers through coaching and mentorship, and coordinate process improvement efforts within the department.

Based on the customer's needs, define stakeholder requirements from a comprehensive, end-user perspective
• Derive system requirements and manage those requirements over the life of the project
• Define system architecture by identifying subsystems and allocating requirements and interfaces to those subsystems
• Analyze the impact of any proposed design changes on the system requirements
• Produce a variety of models to accurately manage, verify, and communicate engineering data
• Identify project and product risks and escalate using the project's defined processes
• Evaluate technical readiness as it pertains to achieving system requirements and functionality
• Conduct trade-off studies and options analysis to balance cost, risk, and performance
• Support system and subsystem integration efforts
• Support system verification and validation activities
• Troubleshoot and analyze failure data, including root cause and corrective action processes
• Clearly communicate plans, status, and issues to key stakeholders
• Interface directly with customers on a variety of complex optical systems
• Collaborate with colleagues in Sales, Engineering, Project Management, and Manufacturing to support specific projects
• Generate training content
• Develop more junior engineers through training and mentorship
• Recruit and interview new engineering talent (optional)
• 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

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/or electrical engineering concepts
• Basic knowledge of optical assembly, integration, and test methods
• Experience performing end-to-end product realization activities (conceptualization, integration, verification, validation, transition, etc.)
• Experience with technical management of requirements, risk, configuration, etc.
• Experience with dependability engineering (security, reliability, and safety)
• Experience using model-based systems engineering (MBSE) techniques
• Experience with Agile processes and techniques
• Familiarity with various planning and modeling software (e.g. MS Project, MS Visio, SysML)
• Analysis using 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
• Building trust
• Building a successful team
• Communicating with impact
• Persuasiveness and influence
• Facilitating, managing, and championing change
• High quality standards
• Results oriented
• Adaptability
• Integrity
• U.S. Citizenship or permanent residence required

Education/Experience:

• Undergraduate degree (graduate degree preferred) in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field and a minimum of 15 years of prior, relevant experience in the areas of systems engineering or systems test (preferably optics related)

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.