Senior System Engineer

About the role

The Senior Systems Engineer is a full-time, integral role responsible for overseeing multiple subsystems and projects while contributing to high-level system design. This position leads impactful initiatives by assessing and resolving system-wide challenges, developing designs, and maintaining alignment across platforms.

This role is responsible for ensuring that all systems meet regulatory standards and stakeholder requirements. In addition, the engineer will mentor junior team members to drive technical excellence and work closely with leadership to ensure that systems solutions are fully aligned with business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete system lifecycle—from initial concept through to deployment—while defining high-level architecture and establishing robust systems interfaces.
• Develop and design complex network architectures and system infrastructures.
• Define and implement robust interface standards for systems integration.
• Oversee the installation, configuration, and ongoing maintenance of computer systems and networks on Naval ships and land-based facilities.
• Ensure optimum functionality and proactive monitoring of system performance.
• Diagnose and resolve system inefficiencies, technical issues, and downtime incidents.
• Implement timely solutions to ensure continuous system availability and performance.
• Maintain detailed documentation of system configurations, network diagrams, and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with managers, technical leads, and external partners to determine system needs and align architecture with business objectives.
• Communicate technical information effectively to non-technical stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide team development to drive technical excellence.
• Ensure all systems are compliant with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Implement and maintain cybersecurity measures to protect the organization’s IT assets.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of systems engineering experience, with at least 5 years supporting DoD or Navy acquisition programs (e.g., NAVSEA, NAVWAR, PEO C4I, PEO Digital).
• Strong knowledge of systems engineering principles (V-model, Agile, etc.).
• Familiarity with Navy Modernization Process Management and Operations Manual for ship alteration.
• Knowledge of system design tools and methods. (CAMEO, MATLAB, SysML, or requirements management tools).
• Proficient knowledge of industry-relevant standards such as the INCOSE SE Handbook.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategic plans and effectively manage risks.
• Prominent ability to lead and deliver large, complex projects successfully.
• Demonstrated aptitude for inspiring, guiding, and aligning teams with strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale, cross-functional engineering projects while mentoring junior engineers and fostering technical excellence.
• Ability to stay up to date with new technologies in the evolving industry to ensure proactive innovation and competitive systems.
• Prominent ability to effectively communicate technical information and brief senior government representatives, program leadership, and review boards.
• Ability to speak publicly and brief senior government officials.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Advanced degree from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated experience developing System Requirements Specifications (SRS), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and test documentation (Test Plans, Procedures, Reports) in accordance with DoD systems engineering standards (e.g., MIL-STD-961, MIL-STD-3022, or program-specific SE processes).
• Demonstrated experience supporting Naval intelligence systems and Over-the-Horizon Targeting (OTH-T) architectures, including familiarity with tactical data links, sensor-to-shooter integration, and intelligence data flows supporting fleet-level situational awareness and targeting decision cycles.
• Expertise in defining and implementing complex system architectures and interfaces that meet both current and future needs.
• Strong background in developing strategic plans, assessing project risks, and executing effective risk mitigation strategies.
• Experience collaborating and negotiating effectively with both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience following a formal procedure for coordinating system integration activities among multiple teams, ensuring complete coverage of all interfaces.
• Experience with some of the following, or similar: System Design and Architecture, Requirements Analysis and Management, System Integration and Testing, Risk Assessment and Mitigation, Documentation and Reporting, Configuration Management.

Education and Certification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or a related field.
• INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) or similar, preferred.

Clearance

• US Citizenship required.
• No dual citizenship.
• Active TS required.
• Active TS/SCI highly preferred.

Location

• Candidates should reside in the DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia area.
• Meetings will be conducted in Washington DC and the Navy Yard.
• Work Environment:
• The work environment is primarily remote within the Northern Virginia /Maryland area.
• In some cases, work in a government facility may be required within the Fairfax, Quantico, D.C, Baltimore area.
• Travel will be required for customer engagement, team coordination, and potentially for business development.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.