Principal Research Engineer

Company: STI
Location: Hawthorne
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Systems Technology Inc. (STI) is a private, employee-owned company (ESOP) that provides engineering consulting and product development with a focus on safety. We are a small company that enjoys many of the perks of start-ups, but we have been in business for over sixty years and have an aggressive growth plan. Being part of STI means being a key contributor in the company while working with a team that spans the range of experience from recent graduates to 20 year tenure. At STI, we look for business partners who want to be part of something special and contribute to a culture built on transparency, friendliness, innovation, ownership and accountability. If you are of a like mind and enthusiastic about solving challenging, real world, relevant problems, we would love to hear from you. As a 100% employee-owned company, STI understands that employees' individual and collective hard work and dedication will lead directly to the success of the company in the long term. An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) gives employees an ownership interest in the company that employs them. What You’ll Do: The Principal Research Engineer executes a variety of highly specialized/technical, business development and leadership activities. This individual provides advanced expertise in the areas of modeling, simulation and/or flight control. This person submits government proposals and is involved in commercial client outreach via networking at conferences and meetings. In addition, this person is responsible for leading commercial consulting contracts. The Principal Research Engineer also manages multiple contracts that involve tracking budgets, ensuring successful deliverables, and managing junior engineers. This person actively engages in company process development and participates in BD related activities. This individual may supervise, and mentor select staff engineers. Will report to the Director of Engineering Services. Supports determining top level technical direction in alignment with company vision including short term and long-term strategic goals Along with Engineering Management, defines technical focal point of Business development areas and directs deep technical activities. Serves as Principal Investigator (PI) on both commercial and government programs, with a particular focus on Modeling and Simulation/GNC. Oversee the development of new IP, candidate products, and technical initiatives including executing beyond Phase II for SBIR programs. Manages multiple contracts that involve tracking budgets, ensuring successful deliverables, and managing several engineers. Develops test protocols/procedures, collects and analyzes data, and creates detailed reports. Oversees and executes on technical projects and activities while remaining within established schedule and budget constraints. What you Need: Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Science Degree in Engineering with 10 years of experience or Ph.D. with 5 yrs experience in Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering or Applied Mathematics or equivalent field. Proven technical ability and experience in relevant field of Modeling and Simulation, dynamics and controls theory or related discipline/field Strong skills with MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or equivalent. Working knowledge of C/C++ a plus. Experience with stability and control system design and assessment Experience in the aerospace industry required. UAS / UAM experience a plus. Bonus Qualifications: Supervisory skills, a plus. Extensive flight test experience and skillset for assessing vehicle performance, flying, and handling qualities and related system performance. Compensation And Benefits: Systems Technology Inc. offers all employees competitive pay along with a benefits package encompassing the following and more: Medical benefits (HMO – 100% company paid for Employees & Dependents) Dental and vision plans Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) 401(k) Safe Harbor Retirement Plan and company defined contribution. Flexible spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance Fitness Program Reimbursement and Technology Stipends Tuition Assistance Programs Year-round company sponsored events. Employee rewards and recognition Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications. At Systems Technology Inc. (STI) we aim to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possesses the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. For this position we are targeting a total compensation pay between $157,500 – $189,000. This is inclusive of base pay, performance bonus and ESOP. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. STI is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

Keywords: STI, Simi Valley , Principal Research Engineer, Engineering , Hawthorne, California