Department: Col of Engineering and Computing
Classification: Research Staff 12-month
Job Category: Research Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Restricted: Yes
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Position:The Research Scientist will conduct advanced research in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Systems of Systems Engineering (SoSE), and Modular Open Systems Approaches (MOSA). The individual will develop architectures, methodologies, models, and decision-support frameworks using SysML, UAF, and related modeling standards to enable the design, analysis, integration, and evolution of complex systems and systems of systems. The position will support sponsored research, proposal development, technical leadership, student mentoring, and collaboration with government and industry stakeholders.
Responsibilities:- Conduct research in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Systems of Systems Engineering (SoSE), and Digital Engineering methodologies;
- Develop SysML- and UAF-based models and architectures for complex systems, mission engineering applications, and systems-of-systems integration;
- Research and develop Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) frameworks, architectural patterns, interoperability standards, and acquisition strategies to improve system adaptability and reuse;
- Perform architecture analysis, requirements engineering, trade-space analysis, capability mapping, and model-based verification and validation;
- Collaborate with faculty, industry, and government partners on sponsored research projects and technology transition activities;
- Mentor graduate students and research staff; support research planning, technical reviews, and laboratory development activities; and
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:- Master's degree in related field;
- Experience developing SysML models and architectural frameworks;
- Experience conducting research in complex systems or systems-of-systems domains;
- Experience using Cameo Systems Modeler/MagicDraw, Syndeia, or related model integration tools;
- Record of technical publications, reports, or sponsored research contributions;
- Demonstrated expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering and Systems Engineering practices;
- Knowledge of Systems of Systems Engineering concepts and methodologies;
- Knowledge of Enterprise Architecture Frameworks and architectural modeling approaches;
- Skill in development of SysML models using Cameo Systems Modeler, MagicDraw, or equivalent tools;
- Knowledge of Application of Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) and related architecture frameworks;
- Skill in Architecture development, model analysis, and traceability;
- Skill in Technical writing and proposal development;
- Skill in Research design and execution; and
- US Person status is required due to sponsor funding restriction.
Preferred Qualifications:- Terminal degree in a related field;
- 1-2 years of research or applied experience in MBSE, SoSE, or Digital Engineering;
- Experience with Department of Defense Digital Engineering initiatives;
- Experience supporting DoD, NASA, FAA, DHS, or other government-sponsored programs;
- Experience developing Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) architectures;
- Experience developing and implementing Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) strategies;
- Experience with model interoperability standards such as UPDM, UAF, DoDAF, and NAF;
- Experience leading proposal development and research initiatives;
- Experience mentoring graduate students, engineers, or research staff;
- Knowledge of Digital Engineering, Digital Threads, and Digital Twins; and
- Familiarity with ontologies, semantic models, and knowledge graphs.
Instructions to Applicants: For full consideration, applicants must apply for
Research Scientist, Advanced Model-Based Systems Engineering and Systems of Systems Engineering at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information; and upload a cover letter, CV, and research statement for review.
Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Posting Open Date: November 9, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: November 20. 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
