Join JRC's Missiles & SpaceTeam!Step into one of the most technically influential roles in the program: as the
Deputy Branch Engineer (DBE), you'll be the principal deputy and trusted technical right hand to the Branch Engineer for a Department of War Category 1D Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) strategic missile system.
In this role, you'll guide the engineering heart of a program that integrates complex warhead, missile, and shipboard systems-ensuring the weapon system is safe, reliable, digitally engineered, and mission-ready. You'll shape everything from system architecture and integration to test execution, design assurance, and technical readiness for major reviews. Your work ensures compliance with DoD policies, nuclear surety requirements, and mission assurance standards, all while advising leadership on critical technical and acquisition decisions.
If you're energized by solving hard systems problems, leading multidisciplinary teams, and safeguarding the nation's strategic capabilities, this position puts you at the center of engineering excellence for one of the DoD's most consequential programs.
What You'll Do- Serve as principal technical advisor to the Branch Engineer and Program Manager on all systems engineering and architecture matters.
- Support system integration efforts across propulsion, guidance, control, fire control, and launch subsystems.
- Support the Command Safety Working Group (CSWG) and ensure compliance with Nuclear Weapons System Surety and Safety requirements.
- Support Configuration & Data Management Governance by implementing Configuration Management (CM) policies and ensuring traceability from high-level requirements to test results and certification artifacts.
- Ensure design integrity through requirements traceability, verification, and validation processes.
- Support Engineering Review Boards (ERB), Risk and Opportunity Management Boards (ROMB), and Configuration Control Boards (CCB).
- Assist in the review and maintenance of the Systems Engineering Plan (SEP), Mission Assurance Plan, and Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) inputs.
- Assist in the oversight of Integration and Test efforts for the LOC missile, including hardware, instrumentation, data collection, post-test analysis, and ship integration.
- Identify and mitigate technical risks across the system development and deployed lifecycle.
- Ensure technical rigor, compliance, and readiness for major technical and programmatic reviews for the LOC.
- Advise on acquisition strategy, cost, schedule, technical trade-offs, and milestone documentation.
- Mentor multidisciplinary government and contractor engineering teams to promote technical excellence and mission assurance.
What You Bring to the Table- A bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Systems, or related discipline).
- 15+ years of experience in defense system engineering with 5 years in a technical leadership role on an MDAP.
- An Active Top Secret clearance (SCI eligibility required).
- Extensive knowledge of DoD 5000-series acquisition policies, including DoDI 3150.02, DoDI 5000.88, and 5000.02.
- Demonstrated experience in missile systems design, integration, and verification.
- Proficiency in MBSE, digital engineering, and model-based data environments (Cameo, DOORS, Teamcenter).
- Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to interact effectively with OSD, Service PAEs, FFRDCs, and industry stakeholders.
- Requires frequent engagement with senior DoW, FFRDC, and industry leaders, and up to 50% travel to test ranges, contractor sites, weapons facilities, and government labs to support technical reviews, integration events, and milestone assessments.
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Bonus Points- Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
- DAWIA Advanced Certification in Engineering or Program Management.
- Experience supporting sea-based nuclear-capable or strategic missile programs.
- Prior SSP, NNSA, or Navy experience with nuclear weapons programs.
- Sea-Launch Platform Experience such as SSN, SSBN, and SSGN
- Familiarity with DoDI 8510.01 (RMF), MIL-STD-882E (System Safety), and mission assurance processes.
At JRC we offer...- A competitive compensation package
- An exceptional employee benefits program, providing support for our team members' well-being and success
- The chance to contribute to a high-profile Department of Defense programs and make a positive impact
- A collaborative work environment where teamwork, creativity, and innovation thrive
- Opportunities for professional growth and development, helping you advance your career
