Junior Combat Systems Engineer

About the Role

Bring your expertise and knowledge to our team! As a Junior Combat Systems Engineer supporting the Navy’s Terminal Defense Systems program office, you will be the connective tissue between complex radars, guided missiles, automated launchers, and warship command-and-control architectures. This position is 100% on-site in Arlington, VA, and is not eligible for hybrid or remote work.

Responsibilities

• Combat System Architecture & Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Build and maintain digital system-of-systems models using SysML and tools like Cameo/MagicDraw. Map operational requirements to functional behaviors and software/hardware components, creating integrated digital architectures for terminal defense systems across shipboard combat networks.
• Interface Definition & Data Flow Modeling: Support development, review, and integration of system-to-system interfaces and Interface Control Documents (ICDs). Define message protocols, track handoffs, latency bounds, and data structures linking weapons, radars, and shipboard Command and Control (C2) baselines.
• System Requirements Analysis & Traceability: Analyze and decompose warfighter needs and threat baselines into testable system and subsystem requirements using tools like DOORS. Track requirements traceability across the systems development lifecycle to evaluate readiness and identify gaps.
• Fire Control Loop & Engagement Integration: Analyze end-to-end fire control loops from target detection to terminal intercept. Review firing policies, weapon scheduling rules, and battle management logic to optimize response and maximize probability of kill.
• Modeling & Simulation (M&S) Studies: Run and evaluate system-level simulations using MATLAB, Python, or defense frameworks. Analyze multi-target engagements, sensor fusion, and system behavior under complex scenarios to inform tactical baselines and trade studies.
• Test & Evaluation (T&E) and Live Range Support: Participate in test planning, execution, and data analysis for land-based and live-fire at-sea events. Verify requirement compliance and validate digital models against real hardware performance.
• Technical Reviews & Engineering Change Assessments: Review Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), System Engineering Technical Review (SETR) packages, and Technical Data Packages (TDPs). Evaluate impacts of proposed changes on combat system behavior, compatibility, and interoperability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM discipline. Recent graduates encouraged to apply.
• Desired Skills:
  • Academic or hands-on experience with SysML/MBSE (Cameo, MagicDraw), DOORS, MATLAB, Python, or Simulink.
  • Strong interest in system integration, network data flows, interface definition, and complex mission analysis.
  • Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning military combat weapon systems and collaborating in cross-functional teams.

Requirements

• Must be eligible for a DoD Secret Clearance.
• Limited travel required.

Pay

The pay range for this role is $70,000 - $90,000 USD per year.

Benefits

• Competitive Paid Time Off
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical, Dependent Care, Commuter)
• Company-paid Short-Term, Long-Term, Life, and AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Certifications