Principal Systems Engineer Full Time

Location: San Diego, CA, US

Date Posted: 2026-04-14

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE

Description

Principal Systems Engineer

SAIC – San Diego, CA

About SAIC

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is a premier technology integrator solving our nation’s most complex modernization and readiness challenges. In the maritime and naval domain, SAIC delivers advanced autonomous systems, AI/ML solutions, and mission-critical technologies to support the warfighter. Our San Diego presence places us at the heart of Naval Information Warfare and cutting-edge maritime autonomy development.

Your Impact

As a Principal Systems Engineer you will directly in support U.S. Navy programs by developing and integrating autonomous systems, computer vision solutions, and real-time analytics for unmanned maritime platforms. You will work alongside engineers and technicians to deliver mission-critical capabilities and push the future of cutting edge technologies.

JOB DUTIES:

Autonomous Systems & Integration

• Support and lead integration and test events for validation of autonomy algorithms on unmanned maritime platforms
• Develop and implement real-time data analytics and scoring frameworks for collaborative autonomy field experiments
• Research and evaluate decentralized database solutions for unmanned systems operating in Degraded, Disconnected, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) communication environments
• Interface directly with Navy customers and program offices to define and deliver technical requirements

Computer Vision & AI/ML

• Train, optimize, and deploy deep learning models for object detection and classification on power-constrained edge platforms
• Implement and evaluate state-of-the-art computer vision algorithms including:
  • SLAM and real-time localization
  • 3D reconstruction and photogrammetry
  • Optical flow and image stitching
  • Ship and object detection
• Leverage NVIDIA Jetson and similar edge computing platforms for embedded AI deployment

Embedded Systems & Hardware

• Design and develop embedded firmware for microcontroller-based systems
• Design, test, and assemble PCBs for prototype and product development
• Research and implement RTOS solutions and mesh networking algorithms for sensor networks
• Integrate and characterize LIDAR, SONAR, RGBD, and optical sensors

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors and nine (9) years or more experience; Master’s in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field and seven (7) years or more experience; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in:
  • Autonomous systems and robotics
  • Computer vision and deep learning
  • Embedded systems development
• Must have an Active Secret clearance to start
• Strong proficiency in C++, C, and Python
• Hands-on experience with ROS, OpenCV, and PyTorch
• Experience deploying AI/ML models on edge hardware (NVIDIA Jetson or equivalent)
• Demonstrated experience with systems integration and field testing

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Experience supporting NIWC Pacific or Naval programs in San Diego
• Background in maritime/underwater autonomous systems (AUVs, USVs, UAVs)
• Familiarity with synthetic aperture sonar and underwater sensing
• Experience with SfM, photogrammetry, and 3D capture workflows
• Knowledge of decentralized and mesh networking protocols
• Proficiency with Docker and Linux environments (Ubuntu, Red Hat)
• Experience with PCB design tools (EAGLE CAD or equivalent)
• Prior recipient of SMART Scholarship or DoD fellowship

Target salary range: $120,001 – $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.