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).
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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
