Lead Systems Engineer

Overview Lead Systems Engineer LOCATION: On Site - Kirtland AFB, NM JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Secret Clearance CERTIFICATION: N/A TRAVEL: <10% Astrion is seeking a Systems Engineer to join the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Vehicles Directorate, in support of the Rapid Architecture Prototyping and Integration Development (RAPID) laboratory at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. This is a lead technical role driving architecture design, requirements development, and risk management for advanced, system-of-systems space architectures. The RAPID Lab plays a critical role in shaping the future of resilient space systems for the U.S. Space Force. Required Qualifications / Skills U.S. Citizenship requiredDoD Secret clearanceBachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical fieldMinimum 3+ years of relevant technical engineering experienceExperience with space systems, satellite communications, or secure ground systemsAbility to lead technical discussions and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholdersStrong analytical skills with the ability to manage complex systems and technical requirementsExcellent time management and organizational skillsSelf-motivated and capable of independent problem solving Preferred Qualifications / Skills DoD TS/SCI clearanceBackground in IT infrastructure and networked systemsFamiliarity with defense acquisition processes or similar government frameworksExperience conducting trade studies, algorithm development, or system-level modeling2+ years of systems engineering experience on large-scale ($100M+) government programsProficient in systems engineering tools such as DOORS, Jama, Jira, ConfluenceFamiliarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as Cameo, MagicDraw, or Enterprise ArchitectPrior experience working with senior government or military leadership Responsibilities Serve as the technical lead reporting to the RAPID Program Manager and Technical DirectorLead and participate in technical interchange meetings, design reviews, and stakeholder briefingsCollaborate with government stakeholders and other program offices to align objectivesGuide and mentor junior engineers and subcontractorsDevelop and manage system-of-systems-level requirements, ensuring traceability across subsystemsOversee interface definitions, validation, and verification activitiesLead identification and mitigation of technical risks in software, hardware, and network domainsDevelop and review operational concepts (CONOPS) and mission-level use casesSupport the development of preliminary and detailed system architecturesConduct system-level trade studies and support algorithm and modeling effortsAssist in the development of test plans and review of test resultsParticipate in integration and system-level validation activitiesApply best practices in systems engineering using tools and frameworks to drive resultsCommunicate risk posture and technical status to program and customer leadership #CJ