Systems Engineer

About the role

This role supports the full systems engineering life cycle for a US Navy state-of-the-art digital ground station focused on in-fill and ex-fill communications. You will design, develop, and implement complex systems architectures that meet defined technical requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement complex systems architectures that meet defined technical requirements.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather system requirements and translate them into clear, actionable technical specifications.
• Evaluate and select appropriate hardware, software, and network components to support system implementation and performance objectives.
• Support the installation and configuration of system hardware, operating systems, and software applications.
• Perform system integration activities, including the development and execution of test plans, to validate end-to-end functionality.
• Conduct system testing and troubleshooting to ensure smooth, efficient, and reliable system performance.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive system documentation, including configuration details, operational procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Work closely with software developers, network engineers, and digital signal processing (DSP) developers to ensure cohesive system integration across all components.
• Contribute to the full Systems Engineering V life cycle, including requirements development, CONOPS, design reviews (CDR, PDR), trade studies, traceability, and interface control documents (ICDs).
• Provide technical support and guidance to internal teams, helping diagnose and resolve system-related issues.
• Participate in the development and refinement of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) artifacts using SysML or similar tools.
• Support continuous improvement of systems engineering processes and best practices for the program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• 5+ years of experience working across the full Systems Engineering V life cycle.
• Proven experience designing and implementing systems architectures and associated documentation, including CONOPS, CDR, PDR, trade studies, traceability, and interface control documents (ICDs).
• Hands-on experience with hardware, operating systems, network protocols, and software applications in complex systems environments.
• Demonstrated experience with system integration, testing, and troubleshooting of multi-component systems.
• Familiarity with systems engineering activities such as requirements development, concept of operations (CONOPS), and test plan creation.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including software developers, network engineers, and DSP developers.
• Active Secret security clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI.

Qualifications

• Experience with satellite or radio frequency (RF) communication systems.
• Experience in digital signal processing (DSP) or signal processing for communication systems.
• Exposure to model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and SysML.
• Experience with full life cycle systems engineering for defense or mission-critical systems.
• Interest in taking on a lead role or growing into a Lead Systems Engineer position.

Skills

• Systems engineering.
• Software development.
• Network engineering.
• Signal processing.
• Model-based systems engineering (MBSE).
• System integration.
• Testing and troubleshooting.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision coverage.
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available.
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents).
• Short and long-term disability coverage.
• Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Transportation benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave).

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $80.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Work Environment

This position follows a hybrid work model based in Warrenton, VA. The role typically requires two days per week onsite, with the expectation of being onsite full-time during the first one to two months for training and onboarding. The team operates out of a modern open office space in the Vint Hill technology park, an area with nearby amenities such as a brewery, winery, and fitness facilities. The project uses open-source, modern technologies in support of a defense program and is at an early stage in its architecture, providing a dynamic and collaborative environment. The broader program team consists of approximately 25–30 people, including subcontractors, with a core group of about a dozen professionals. The culture emphasizes a fun, mission-connected atmosphere that feels similar to a commercial project, with work conducted on laptops in an open environment where personal devices are permitted. The organization structures compensation to align closely with the actual hours worked, and the work is closely tied to meaningful mission outcomes, offering both technical challenge and a strong sense of purpose.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Warrenton, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.