Reporting to the Manager of RF Solutions within the ESA organization, this position primarily supports the Tactical Solutions business unit as a key member of the SPARK (Strategic Prototyping & Advanced Research Knowledge) group. SPARK is a high-velocity innovation hub dedicated to the execution of IRAD projects and the development of distinguishing technologies that ensure our business unit maintains undisputed technical leadership in the industry. SPARK brings together a powerhouse of RF, Mechanical, and M&P Engineers, alongside expert Development Technicians, to transform conceptual ideas into flight-ready hardware. Our primary mission is to optimize IRAD investment by concentrating talent and resources, ensuring that our most ambitious research is translated into tangible, discriminating capabilities. We are seeking a group of high-performing individuals with a proven track record of creativity, technical rigor, and an obsession with execution. As a Senior Principal Engineer within the SPARK group, you will serve as a corporate expert and technical authority in mechanical design. You will operate with virtually complete autonomy, initiating strategic technical approaches and developing advanced concepts that serve as the precedent for future hardware development across the organization. The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers’ missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution. What You’ll Do: • Architectural Leadership: Define the mechanical standards and advanced concepts for high-impact RF systems, including: • Next-generation Antenna and RF Electronic systems for platforms. • Pioneering conformal and high-temperature airborne platforms. • Advanced Phased array systems for ground, airborne, maritime, and space environments. • Strategic Ground Support and Special Test Equipment. • Expert Precision & Standards: Establish the corporate gold-standard for GD&T and precision assembly within the group, ensuring that the most complex, unique hardware challenges are solved with ingenuity and precision to avoid costly iterations. • Strategic Prototyping & Validation: Oversee the physical realization of advanced concepts within development areas, providing expert guidance on: • Complex bonding, layup, and high-precision mechanical integration. • Defining the strategy for RF testing and validation to ensure technical goals are met. • Developing new, innovative methods for risk reduction and qualification testing. • Technical Authority: Solve problems of unusual complexity that require a high degree of creativity and innovation. Your decisions will directly affect the financial and technical posture of the organization. • Cross-Functional Synergy: Act as the primary technical liaison between RF engineers, technicians, and M&P engineers. You will mentor other engineers and drive the collaboration required to turn an abstract concept into a physical reality. • Operational Strategy: Partner with senior leadership and support functions, including Supply Chain, to optimize procurement strategies and streamline the movement of critical materials through the building to meet long-range strategic goals. • Innovation Lifecycle & Handoff: Define and implement the "lean documentation" standards for the group. Ensure that the transition of advanced prototypes to other engineering teams is seamless, maintaining technical integrity while maximizing development speed. • Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule. • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment. • Perform other duties as necessary. On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required. Working Conditions: • Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment. • May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required. • May access other facilities in various weather conditions.