Sr Principal Electronics - Field Service Engineer
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Sr Principal Electronics - Field Service Engineer based in the United States.
This role places you at the heart of mission-critical, real-world defense operations, where advanced electronics and multi-domain systems directly support deployed military units. You will act as the embedded technical expert for a cutting-edge tactical edge system, ensuring operational readiness, reliability, and performance in demanding field environments. Working closely with end users in active military settings, you will deliver hands-on support, training, and system troubleshooting while enabling operational independence for the unit. The position combines deep technical engineering expertise with real-time field service execution in highly sensitive environments. You will serve as the key link between deployed operations and engineering teams, ensuring continuous system improvement and mission success. This is a high-impact role where your work directly supports national defense capabilities and frontline effectiveness.
Accountabilities:
In this role, you will serve as the primary field engineering representative embedded with operational military units, ensuring advanced electronic and multi-domain systems remain fully mission capable. You will provide hands-on technical support, system maintenance, and training while acting as the bridge between field operations and engineering teams.
- Act as on-site subject matter expert for deployed tactical edge and multi-domain electronic systems supporting military operations
- Provide system operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and break/fix support across hardware, software, RF, and network components
- Deliver training and guidance to military personnel to enable effective system use and independent operations
- Perform preventative maintenance, system upgrades, configuration changes, and installation of containerized software environments
- Troubleshoot and support complex infrastructure including servers, antennas, routers, switches, virtualization platforms, and operating systems (Windows, Linux, VMware)
- Coordinate with engineering teams for escalation support, system improvements, and technical updates
- Document system performance, failures, discrepancies, and operational impacts through detailed reporting
- Support logistics activities including inventory control, shipping/receiving, and coordination of vendor or subcontractor engagements
- Participate in travel for system updates, training, and field support as required
- 8+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (or equivalent advanced experience)
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance (with ability to obtain SAP approval)
- Current Security+ certification (or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire)
- Strong hands-on experience with RF systems, antennas, servers, networking equipment, and integrated field systems
- Proficiency with Windows Server, Linux (RHEL), VMware, Cisco networking, and containerized environments (Docker/Kubernetes)
- Experience troubleshooting complex multi-domain systems including hardware, software, and communications infrastructure
- Ability to interpret technical documentation, diagrams, and system architecture designs
- Strong communication skills with experience briefing technical and non-technical stakeholders, including military personnel
- Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and travel as required
- Preferred certifications include VMware VCP, CCNA, Linux certifications, or Microsoft server credentials
- Prior experience in tactical, defense, or mission-oriented environments is highly valued
- Competitive base salary with potential for bonuses and performance incentives
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
- Life, disability, and supplemental insurance options
- Paid time off, holidays, and flexible leave programs
- Retirement savings plan with company contributions
- Relocation assistance (if applicable)
- Exposure to advanced defense technologies and mission-critical systems
- Professional certification support and career development opportunities
- Travel opportunities for system updates, training, and operational support.
Requirements:
This role requires a highly experienced field engineer with strong expertise in electronics, RF systems, and enterprise IT infrastructure, combined with the ability to operate in mission-critical defense environments.
Benefits:
Trades pay context
Based on 1,164 disclosed Trades salaries on RoleSuite, the role pays a median of $72K/year, with most offers between $58K and $88K (10th–90th percentile: $51K–$114K).
See the full Trades salary breakdown →