System Engineer IV

We are seeking an exceptionally qualified Systems Engineer 4 to support a highly specialized system integration effort for a critical submarine platform in Middletown, RI. This role focuses on providing rigorous technical oversight of Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) contractors and managing complex inter-contractor dynamics for the SSN-812 program.

Responsibilities

• GFE Contractor Oversight & Integration
  • GFE Contractor Oversight: Serve as technical oversight for GFE contractors, ensuring their deliverables meet strict cost, schedule, and performance metrics.
  • Contract Impact Analysis: Fully interpret and evaluate the technical and operational impacts of existing contract structures, Statements of Work (SOWs), and delivery schedules to manage contractor-to-contractor dynamics.
  • Boundary Management: Manage complex, inter-contractor technical boundaries to resolve disputes, clarify delivery responsibilities, and align GFE hardware/software inputs with the overall system-of-systems architecture.
  • GFE/GFI Pipeline: Support the technical validation, tracking, and physical/logical integration of GFE and Government Furnished Information (GFI) into the primary test and integration beds.
• Technical & SME Leadership
  • Oversee system-of-systems engineering activities, managing the migration and integration of legacy submarine hardware/software capabilities with modern Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) architectures.
  • Define and maintain high-level systems requirements, Interface Control Documents, and verification plans in full compliance with NAVSEA systems engineering procedures.
• Stakeholder & Program Management
  • Serve as a primary, direct technical interface to senior NUWC Division Newport management, Navy program offices, and subcontractor leadership.
  • Utilize Agile program management methodologies to manage iterative integration milestones, risks, and program increments in a dynamic, fast-paced defense environment.
  • Plan, lead, and present at formal technical reviews representing the integration contractor team.

Requirements

• Education: Master's Degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a highly related technical discipline.
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive systems engineering experience within naval defense acquisition, with an emphasis on submarine platforms.
• Security Clearance: Must possess and maintain an active DoD Secret security clearance.
• GFE Contractor Oversight: Proven track record of providing direct technical oversight to external GFE/GFI contractors and managing complex inter-contractor boundaries.
• Contractual Acumen: Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and understand the technical implications of existing Statements of Work and government contracts to hold external contractors accountable.
• Submarine Breadth: Exceptional, broad technical understanding of submarine systems, platform architectures, combat/sonar suites, and hardware-to-software integration.
• Government Protocols: Strong mastery of NAVSEA systems engineering processes, military standards, and GFE program coordination.
• SME-Level Leadership: Demonstrated leadership capability to coordinate, direct, and review the integration work of junior and mid-tier engineering staff.
• Technical Modernization: Clear understanding of PaaS architecture, containerization, and software deployments on tactical military hardware.
• U.S. Citizenship: Required for employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Directly transferable experience collaborating with NUWC Division Newport.
• Familiarity with Agile frameworks adapted for defense systems engineering environments.
• Knowledge of DFARS clauses pertaining to Government Furnished Equipment and contractor-to-contractor engineering coordination.
• TS/SCI clearance.

Location & Travel

Middletown, RI. Monthly travel (approximately once per month).

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Office & computer laboratories: sitting, standing, extended periods using a mouse and keyboard, and viewing computer screens.
• Infrequent lifting of less than 40 lbs.
• Movement between points within the same office or between buildings.
• Work is performed in generally consistent environmental conditions with some seasonality for temperature differences and lighting.

Benefits

• Medical Benefits: Choice of two medical insurance programs through Blue Cross & Blue Shield.
• Dental Benefits: A best-in-class dental insurance plan through Delta Dental.
• Vision Benefits: An excellent vision benefit providing discounts and allowances for prescription glasses and contact lenses.
• Retirement Benefits: A qualified 401(k) Retirement Savings Account with a generous employer matching contribution up to 8% of eligible compensation.
• Life Insurance Benefits: Employer-paid life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance equal to your annual salary. Supplemental coverage is available for you and qualified family members, as well as supplemental short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Additional Benefits:
  • Ten (10) paid holidays per year (including 2 floating holidays).
  • A generous paid time off (PTO) program.
  • Tuition reimbursement and referral bonuses.