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Principal System Engineering Advisor

United States, Tampa, FL

Who we are

CTI, a Parsons Company is a high-tech software, systems engineering, and operational support corporation dedicated to providing cutting-edge engineering, and system development and support. We provide operationally-focused technology solutions for military and security applications. A veteran-owned company, CTI is committed to developing the next generation of advanced technologies in a friendly, product, and customer-focused environment. CTI specializes in developing software solutions that enable the collection, aggregation, transport, and visualization of highly complex data sets in a meaningful context to the warfighter. 

Chesapeake Technologies International (CTI) is looking for a Principal Systems Engineering Advisor who will serve as the onsite senior technical leader and subject matter expert. This role provides direct technical advising to the program’s Chief Engineer and program business partners while collaborating with Program Architects and Technical Leads to identify and prioritize best-in-breed solutions for mission requirements. The successful candidate will leverage extensive experience in Department of Defense (DoD) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) programs, academic research environments, and multi-domain architecture to shape technical strategy and execution.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Provide expert technical advising to the program’s Chief Engineer, business partners, and executive stakeholders 
  • Collaborate with engineering leadership to identify, evaluate, and implement cutting-edge technologies aligned with mission goals 
  • Analyze user needs to determine technical requirements and technology adoption paths 
  • Guide requirements refinement of conceptual designs and write detailed technical specifications 
  • Oversee design documentation, technical specifications, and diagrams for new and existing systems 
  • Represent the program at technical reviews, stakeholder engagements, and industry events 
  • Responsible for communicating systems architecture decisions that align with program objectives 
  • Adhere to SAFe processes and ceremonies, supporting scaled agile development execution 
  • Constructively participate in code reviews  
  • Promote lab best practices, network topologies, and integration standards in compliance with DoD guidelines 
  • Proactively and constructively advocate for improvement on behalf of the team, and yourself 

Requirements

Location: This position is fully onsite and requires work to be performed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. Remote work is not available for this role.

Necessary Skills and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree preferred. 
  • Minimum 15 years of experience in software engineering, systems engineering, or technical architecture, with at least 5 years in a principal or lead role 
  • Active U.S. Government Secret clearance with SCI eligibility (TS/SCI).  U.S. Citizenship is required as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.
  • Subject matter expertise in Systems Engineering, Software Architecture, and multi-domain defense systems.  
  • Expertise in DoD and UAS program execution, including fault-tolerant system design in DDIL environments. 
  • Strong foundation in algorithms, data structures, and their practical applications. 
  • Experience participating in PI Planning, Sprint Planning, and Inspect & Adapt events to ensure program alignment 
  • Experience collaborating with Product Owners, Scrum Masters, and Release Train Engineers to maintain delivery cadence 
  • Led program backlog refinement and alignment with business and technical objectives 
  • Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills 

Beneficial Skills and Experience

  • Proven leadership in academic research & development programs (experience with JHU/APL, MIT/LL, DoE, DoD research organizations highly desirable).
  • Experience in DoD programs and drone (UAS) development
  • Familiarity with ROS 2, PX4/ArduPilot, and autonomy stack integration 
  • Background in MIL-STD-810/461/882E compliance, STANAG 4586, DO-178C, and DO-254 guidelines 
  • Experience with DevOps, QA, and Program Management functions. 
  • Experience building, scaling, and maturing engineering processes in high-security environments. 
  • Background in CI/CD pipeline development and secure software deployment practices. 

Locations that require us to disclose the salary on job postings.

Salary range

$225,000 - $250,000 USD

Benefits

CTI is a rapidly growing company offering the following:

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • H.S.A. (partially funded by CTI) and Flex Spending
  • Company-paid life insurance/AD&D and disability insurance
  • Optional supplemental life, critical illness, hospital indemnity and accident insurances
  • Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays
  • 401k plan with Safe Harbor contribution
  • Tuition reimbursement/professional training options
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Travel Assistance
  • Financial Planning Assistance
  • Voluntary Pre-Paid Legal
  • Flexible schedules with telecommuting options
  • Service awards program

CTI is an Equal Opportunity employer and shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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