Senior Systems Engineer

Patuxent River, MD (Onsite Preferred)

Active Secret Clearance Required; TS/SCI and SAP eligibility highly desirable

Position Overview

Ataero is seeking a highly qualified Senior Systems Engineer to provide direct support to Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Program Manager, Airborne Electronic Attack Systems (PMA-272). The successful candidate will support the development, integration, sustainment, and modernization of advanced aviation and mission systems throughout the acquisition lifecycle.

This position requires a seasoned engineering professional with extensive Department of Defense (DoD) experience and a strong understanding of systems engineering principles, aviation platforms, mission systems integration, and acquisition program execution. Prior military service or experience supporting military aviation programs is highly desirable.

The ideal candidate will work closely with government civilian personnel, military leadership, fleet representatives, industry partners, and technical stakeholders to support mission-critical airborne capabilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering support across all phases of the acquisition lifecycle, including requirements development, design, integration, testing, fielding, and sustainment.
• Support technical planning, systems architecture development, requirements management, and risk assessment activities.
• Participate in Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs), design reviews, and engineering working groups.
• Review and evaluate engineering documentation, specifications, interface requirements, test plans, and technical reports.
• Support configuration management, technical baseline control, and engineering change assessments.
• Coordinate with government engineers, operational users, test organizations, and industry partners to resolve technical issues and support program objectives.
• Assist with developmental and operational test planning and execution activities.
• Analyze technical risks, system deficiencies, and performance metrics and provide recommendations to program leadership.
• Prepare technical briefings, reports, white papers, and acquisition documentation for senior government leadership.
• Support classified programs and special access initiatives as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible systems engineering experience supporting DoD programs.
• Experience supporting NAVAIR, Naval Aviation, military aviation, or other major defense acquisition programs.
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, systems engineering methodologies, and lifecycle management principles.
• Experience supporting technical reviews, requirements management, and engineering documentation development.
• Active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain higher levels of access.
• Ability to travel in support of customer requirements.

Desired Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Eligibility for Special Access Programs (SAP).
• Master's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Prior military service, particularly within Naval Aviation, Marine Aviation, Air Force Aviation, or related operational communities.
• Experience supporting electronic warfare, airborne mission systems, avionics integration, weapons systems, sensors, or aircraft modernization efforts.
• DAWIA certification or equivalent acquisition experience.
• Experience supporting PMA organizations, Program Executive Offices (PEOs), NAVAIR, NAWCAD, or Fleet aviation activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong technical analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced government and contractor team environment.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and customer-focused support.

Benefits We Have to Offer

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Disability and Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
• Tuition Assistance
• Competitive Salary Based on Experience and Technical Qualifications
• 11 Paid Federal Holidays

Travel Required

Up to 10% Travel

Candidates located outside the Patuxent River commuting area must be able to travel to Patuxent River, Maryland, approximately one to two times per month.