Flight Systems Engineer

The Flight Systems Engineer (FSE) serves as the critical technical contributor to the LOC Missile System Integration section for a Department of War (DoW) Category 1D Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) missile system. This position is responsible for the end-to-end integration of warhead and payload - ensuring the flight systems architecture meets mission, safety, surety, performance requirement What You'll Do • Serve as critical technical contributor reporting to the LOC Missile System Integration Section Head on all payload segment design, manufacturing, and integration efforts. • Support command efforts to ensure compliance with Nuclear Weapons System Surety and Safety requirements. • Co-Lead and support where appropriate the development, issuance, and maintenance of the Flight System to Payload Interface Control Document (ICD) and related functional specifications. • Plan and execute flight system to payload integration activities, ensuring clear hand offs between payload and shipboard integration work streams. • Lead hardware in the loop (HWIL) and software in the loop (SWIL) verification of the payload interface; define test procedures, success criteria, and analyze results. • Identify, assess, and mitigate/enable technical risks/opportunities specific to the payload interface; track mitigation/enabling actions. • Provide technical input to Engineering Review Boards (ERB), technical Risk and Opportunities Management Boards (TRMB), and Configuration Control Boards (CCB) as the payload interface subject matter expert. • Contribute payload interface content to the Systems Engineering Plan (SEP), Mission Assurance Plan, and Test & Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP). • Assist in the oversight of Integration and Test efforts for the LOC missile inclusive of hardware, instrumentation, data-collection, post-test analysis, and ship-integration • Prepare and present payload integration status for major technical and programmatic LOC reviews. • Advise and contribute on flight system cost/schedule/technical trade-offs, and its documentation. What You Bring to the Table • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Systems, or related discipline). • Minimum 7 years of defense related systems engineering experience on missile or aerospace MDAPs. • Demonstrated experience in payload integration, flight system to payload interface definition, and hardware/software verification (HWIL/SWIL) • Demonstrated experience in missile systems design, integration, and verification. • Proficiency in authoring and managing ICDs, functional specifications, and requirements traceability matrices. • Strong communication skills and ability to interface with OSD, Service PAEs, and FFRDC stakeholders. • Active Top Secret clearance (SCI eligibility required). ☆Bonus Points • 10 years of defense related systems engineering experience on missile or aerospace MDAPs. • 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. Additional Information: This position requires regular interaction with senior DoW, FFRDC, and industry leadership. Travel (~50%) to test ranges, contractor facilities, weapons facilities, and government labs is required to support technical and programmatic reviews, integration events, and milestone readiness assessments. 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