Lead Systems Engineer

Leidos Holding$107K — $195K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 8+ years of relevant experience.
  • Active Secret Clearance required; U.S. Citizenship mandatory.
  • Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Digital Engineering methodologies.
  • Skilled in scenario thread development, system integration, and CI/CD processes.
  • Exceptional communication abilities for engaging technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Proven leadership in overseeing complex technical programs.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a multidisciplinary Systems Engineering team in modernization efforts for radar systems.
  • Support architects with system architecture definition and radar modernization activities.
  • Apply MBSE best practices for system design and performance evaluation.
  • Drive the development and traceability of mission and sustainment requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Manage risk assessments and technology readiness evaluations to ensure mission reliability.
  • Prepare engineering artifacts and present documentation for lifecycle reviews and deliverables.
  • Guide integration planning and test strategies, ensuring operational readiness.

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Paid time off and holidays for work-life balance.
  • Professional development and training opportunities.
  • Flexible work arrangements, including remote options.
Full Job Description
Lead Systems Engineer - Ground-Based Radar Digitization (GBRD)

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Leidos Defense Sector is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to support the Ground-Based Radar (GBR) Digitization Program, a major modernization effort enhancing the nation's missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness capabilities.

Misson Overview

In this role, you will lead the Systems Engineering team responsible for modernizing legacy radar systems across eight Ground-Based Radar sites. These systems provide continuous surveillance, detection, tracking, and reporting of missile and satellite activity in support of Missile Warning (MW), Missile Defense (MD), and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) missions.

The GBR Digitization Program is implementing a common digital backend architecture and modernizing radar front-end systems to maximize standardization, improve maintainability, and enhance mission readiness across the enterprise.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Systems Engineering Leadership - Lead and manage a multidisciplinary Systems Engineering team supporting digital/MBSE modeling, requirements development, lifecycle engineering, FMECA, TRL management, site integration, testing, cybersecurity, RMF, training, and deployment.
  • Architecture & Design Development - Support the Radar and Cloud Chief Architects in defining system architectures, radar back-end modernization, algorithms, hardware, and software integration.
  • MBSE & Digital Engineering - Apply MBSE best practices to develop scenario threads, mission workflows, interface definitions, performance trades, MOSA interoperability, and system design baselines.
  • Requirements & Technical Baselines - Lead the development, decomposition, and traceability of mission, cyber, environmental, and sustainment requirements across the system lifecycle.
  • Risk, FMECA & TRL Management - Oversee fault analysis, technology readiness assessments, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure system reliability and mission performance.
  • Lifecycle Reviews & CDRLs - Prepare and present engineering artifacts, requirements packages, design documentation, and milestone review materials (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR).
  • Integration & Test Leadership - Guide integration planning, test strategy development, CI/CD alignment, and operational acceptance activities.
  • Stakeholder Communication - Convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders with a mission-focused approach and support the Chief Engineer in customer engagements.


Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of relevant experience (additional experience, training, or certifications may substitute for degree).
  • US Citizen; Currently possesses an Active Secret Clearance.
  • Demonstrated experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Digital Engineering, Cameo, scenario thread development, system integration, configuration management, cybersecurity, test support, CI/CD, and operational acceptance.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Proven leadership and management experience supporting complex technical programs.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in a related field with 6+ years of relevant experience.
  • Experience supporting DoD, MDA, U.S. Space Force, Air Force, or Intelligence Community programs.
  • Experience with Integrated Tactical Warning / Attack Assessment (ITW/AA) systems or radar systems.
  • Experience with missile and space on-orbit events, cybersecurity, classified networks, cloud solutions, operational acceptance governance, and system lifecycle management.


AMSOPP1

Original Posting:
June 18, 2026

Pay Range:
Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos Holding

Leidos Holding Careers

Joining Leidos Holding presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance one's career with a leader in innovation and technology. The company offers a plethora of job opportunities aimed at fostering professional growth and development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Explore Career Opportunities

Leidos Holding is actively seeking skilled professionals who are passionate about leveraging their expertise to drive innovation and leadership in their fields. With a variety of open positions, Leidos Holding provides a platform for individuals to challenge themselves in a dynamic work environment.

Innovation and Professional Growth

At Leidos Holding, innovation is at the core of everything they do. Employees are encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries. The company supports this drive for innovation through comprehensive professional development and diversity training programs that are designed to enhance skills and foster leadership.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Leidos Holding is committed to creating a workplace where diversity is not only recognized but celebrated. With a culture that values and promotes diversity, Leidos Holding ensures that all team members have the opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career, Leidos Holding offers internship programs that provide a robust foundation in the industry. Internships are a great way to develop essential skills, gain valuable work experience, and build professional networks.

Benefits and Culture

Employees at Leidos Holding enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. The company culture is built on a foundation of respect and integrity, providing a supportive and collaborative environment where every team member is valued.

Join the Team

Leidos Holding is hiring! Explore job opportunities that match your skills and interests. Leidos Holding looks for driven, curious, and innovative individuals to join their team. Positions are available across various disciplines and experience levels.

Stay Connected

Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and company news from Leidos Holding. Subscribe to receive updates and be the first to know about new job opportunities, company developments, and more.

Prepare for Your Interview

To prepare for an interview at Leidos Holding, candidates should familiarize themselves with the company's missions and values, update their resumes, and be ready to discuss how their background and skills align with the position they are applying for.

Networking and Career Advancement

Leidos Holding encourages its employees to engage in networking within the company to discover new opportunities for career advancement. The leadership team at Leidos Holding is dedicated to supporting employees in their career paths with ample opportunities for networking and growth.

Explore Leidos Holding Jobs and Careers

Discover the exciting career opportunities at Leidos Holding today. With a commitment to employee growth, innovation, and diversity, Leidos Holding is the perfect place to advance your career. Check out the latest job listings and find your perfect fit at Leidos Holding.

SEARCH LEIDOS HOLDING JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

Job Alert Emails

Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences from Leidos Holding. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await in your professional journey.
Learn more about Leidos Holding

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Leidos Holding

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Lead Systems Engineer jobs: