Senior Principal Engineer Support Specialist

ACARA Solutions and our client in Scottsdale, AZ have a contract-to-direct hire position available

Senior Principal Engineer Support Specialist

$101.00 per hour

• Serve as the organization's prime technical consultant and spokesperson for complex engineering and policy matters.
• Perform high-level system engineering activities, including requirements analysis, definition, verification/validation, interface design, and integration.
• Develop, analyze, troubleshoot, and support technical tasks during research and product development efforts.
• Conduct detailed research and engineering laboratory tasks such as layout, test, build, modification, troubleshooting, and repair of electronic/electromechanical devices, assemblies, subsystems, and systems.
• Formulate and recommend corrective actions including schedule changes, resource allocation, and revised technical approaches.
• Develop and evaluate technical security features (e.g., access control, identification/authentication, auditing) to meet governmental cybersecurity and compliance standards.
• Drive the development, modification, and execution of company policies affecting both local operations and broader organizational goals.
• Perform technical planning, cost and risk analysis, and system effectiveness assessments.
• Identify and resolve complex design weaknesses and systemic challenges across projects.
• Independently determine and propose innovative solutions and strategies for engineering tasks.
• Lead and mentor junior-level engineers and cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate regularly with senior internal stakeholders, project teams, and external partners.
• Evaluate COTS components, vendor solutions, and technical data to support feasibility assessments and system design decisions.
• Define system specifications and ensure hardware/software compatibility.
• Contribute to major programs and mission-critical projects including Missile Warning/Missile Tracking system integration, testing, and operations.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in systems engineering with an emphasis on system integration, test, and operations-particularly in Missile Warning/Missile Tracking programs.
• Minimum 10 years of DevSecOps experience including implementation, maintenance, and orchestration of cloud-native platforms and CI/CD pipelines using:
  • AWS
  • GitLab
  • Kubernetes
  • Docker
  • Jenkins
  • Ansible
  • Terraform
• Minimum 10 years of experience monitoring and reviewing operational budgets, schedules, and workforce requirements.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical direction, analyzing data, and producing engineering documentation across the system development life cycle (SDLC).
• Proven leadership in high-impact programs with the ability to influence stakeholders and effect change across organizations.
• Experience with government/commercial engineering standards and risk mitigation strategies.

• Active [insert applicable clearance level, e.g., Secret, Top Secret/SCI].
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field.
• Experience with DoD or Intelligence Community engineering processes and cybersecurity compliance frameworks.
• Certification(s) in cloud or DevSecOps technologies (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Kubernetes Administrator, etc.).

• May include occasional travel.
• Primarily on-site or hybrid (based on program requirements).
• Collaborative and fast-paced technical team environment.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience monitoring and reviewing operational budgets, schedules, and workforce requirements.
• Minimum of 10 years of DevSecOps experience with some of the following platforms/tools:
  1. AWS.
  2. GitLab.
  3. Kubernetes.
  4. Docker.
  5. Jenkins.
  6. Ansible.
  7. Terraform.
• Minimum of 10 years of Missile Warning/Missile Tracking system integration, test, and operations experience.

• Master's Degree.
• Consistent high performer delivering outstanding results.
• Extensive ability to oversee multiple functions.
• Strategic/long-term thinker to position the client for success in a changing environment.
• Extensive ability to understand the organization's tactical components while assessing the company's strategic long-term needs.
• Innovative thinker who embraces change as an opportunity.
• Needs the ability to change the thinking of, or gain acceptance from, others in sensitive situations, without damage to the relationship.
• Extensive communication skills for interaction with executive leadership on items of significant importance (remediation, risk mgt., regulatory compliance).
• Extensive ability to present in clear and specific terms.
• Creative, innovative responsibilities requiring advanced decision-making skills.
• Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
• CI/CD pipeline development.
• Test automation.
• Familiar with Agile philosophies and processes.
• Familiar Ground Entry Points, RF Link analysis, Satellite Communication, Antennas.

Additional Information:

• Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check and a drug screen.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be needed to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the necessary employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• Under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), all employees assigned to this client must provide documentation verifying their status as a "U.S. Person," as defined in ITAR clause 120.15. A U.S. Person is a protected individual under the anti-discrimination provisions of U.S. immigration laws.