Systems Engineer, SME

Overview

Job Summary

 

In this critical role, you will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary engineering and acquisition team to provide technical expertise and strategic guidance throughout the systems engineering lifecycle. You will help ensure that mission-critical hardware and software systems meet operational requirements, achieve performance objectives, maintain security and reliability, and support successful mission execution.

 

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in Department of Defense (DoD) space systems engineering, acquisition, and operations, along with a demonstrated ability to evaluate complex technical challenges, mitigate program risks, and provide actionable recommendations to government stakeholders and senior leadership.

 

This position offers an opportunity to contribute directly to the advancement of national security space capabilities while supporting mission success, operational readiness, and long-term system sustainability.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

The Systems Engineer, SME will:

• Provide senior-level systems engineering expertise and technical oversight in support of the development, acquisition, integration, testing, and fielding of complex space systems
• Lead and coordinate system development activities, including requirements definition, system specifications, engineering processes, technical parameters, and implementation strategies
• Support systems integration, verification, validation, and formal testing activities to ensure hardware and software components meet established performance, interoperability, security, and mission requirements
• Develop, evaluate, and maintain system specifications, technical requirements, logistical considerations, and engineering documentation throughout the system lifecycle
• Apply comprehensive space domain expertise to support systems engineering and integration activities across large-scale, technically complex programs
• Conduct detailed technical assessments, engineering analyses, and program evaluations to identify performance gaps, technical risks, operational challenges, and opportunities for system improvements
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings, analytical reports, recommendations, and decision-support materials to government stakeholders, program management, and senior leadership
• Provide subject matter expertise in evaluating existing and emerging space system capabilities, technologies, and acquisition initiatives
• Support program planning, acquisition activities, and project execution by identifying and assessing cost, schedule, performance, technical, and operational risks
• Evaluate emerging technologies and their respective technology readiness levels (TRLs) to determine suitability for integration into current or future space system programs
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering, acquisition, operations, and program management teams to ensure technical solutions align with mission objectives and program requirements
• Provide expert technical recommendations to support risk reduction, system performance optimization, lifecycle cost considerations, and informed government decision-making
• Develop and maintain accurate technical and programmatic documentation to support efficient planning, execution, reporting, and program oversight
• Respond to time-sensitive technical inquiries, leadership requests, and program tasking while ensuring deliverables meet established deadlines and quality standards

Requirements

Skills and Experience

 

The Systems Engineer, SME must have:

• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience in DoD systems engineering, acquisition, and/or operations, with demonstrated experience supporting space systems or related national security missions
• Extensive knowledge of systems engineering principles, processes, and lifecycle management applicable to complex space systems
• Demonstrated experience supporting system requirements development, technical specifications, systems integration, testing, and performance evaluation
• Experience evaluating technical, cost, schedule, and performance risks associated with complex engineering or acquisition programs
• Ability to analyze complex technical and operational challenges and develop practical, mission-focused recommendations
• Experience developing technical documentation, engineering assessments, analytical reports, and decision-support materials
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with government stakeholders, multidisciplinary engineering teams, and acquisition professionals
• Experience preparing and presenting technical findings, program assessments, and recommendations to senior management or government leadership
• Knowledge of space system capabilities, operational requirements, and engineering considerations associated with national security space programs
• Previous experience supporting Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), United States Space Force (USSF), Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), or Joint Staff organizations
• Familiarity with DoD and USSF space systems acquisition strategies, policies, and program execution processes
• Understanding of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process and its relationship to defense acquisition and program resource management
• Experience evaluating emerging technologies, technology readiness levels, and their potential application to national security space capabilities
• Experience providing technical advisory support to senior government officials, program executives, or acquisition leadership
• Completion of senior-level Professional Military Education (PME), such as Air War College (AWC), Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF), or equivalent

Education and Certifications

 

The Systems Engineer, SME must meet the following:

 

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline

Preferred

• Master's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline

Benefits

 

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k)
• PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Military Differential
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid federal holidays

Security Clearance

 

Must be a U.S. Citizen. A high-level Department of War active security clearance is/may be required. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to government information.

 

Physical Requirements

 

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods of time and typing and reading from a computer screen. The candidate must have enough mobility, including bending, reaching, and kneeling, to complete daily duties in a prompt and efficient manner, and that may include lifting up to thirty pounds, as necessary.

 

The final salary offered within the posted range will be based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, education, and other job-related factors.

Posted Salary RangeUSD $220,000.00 - USD $245,000.00 /Yr.