Chief System Engineer

Eiden Systems Consulting; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Eiden Systems Consulting is seeking a Chief System Engineer for a Department of Defense deep sensing program. This role involves leading multidisciplinary teams in designing resilient systems for ISR capabilities and ensuring compliance with DoD standards. Ideal candidates should have extensive experience in systems engineering, particularly in defense context, and possess strong leadership skills to guide technical solutions.

Benefits

Premium health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Life insurance

Short- and long-term disability coverage

Work-life balance support

Qualifications

• 15+ years in System Engineering for complex DoD systems.
• Proven experience with ISR or sensing systems.
• Top Secret/SCI clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the system-of-systems architecture and technical roadmap.
• Develop and manage system requirements and verification plans.
• Drive integration of advanced sensing modalities.

Skills

Leadership

Systems Engineering

Communication

Integration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Model-Based Systems Engineering tools

Job description

Eiden Systems Consulting (ESC) is seeking a Chief System Engineer to lead the technical architecture and engineering integration for a high-priority Department of Defense Deep Sensing program. This role is responsible for defining the end-to-end system design and leading multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver next-generation, multi-domain sensing capabilities for persistent ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), threat detection, and tactical situational awareness.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead the system-of-systems architecture and technical roadmap for advanced deep sensing platforms, including space-based, airborne, and terrestrial sensor nodes.
• Develop and manage system requirements, CONOPS, architecture artifacts, interface definitions, and system verification plans.
• Drive integration of advanced EO/IR, RF, hyperspectral, and acoustic sensor modalities into a cohesive platform aligned with mission objectives.
• Collaborate with software and AI/ML teams to incorporate autonomous processing, sensor fusion, and real-time decision support.
• Serve as the technical authority during program reviews, milestone decisions, and engagements with DoD stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with DoD 5000 acquisition framework, MIL-STD documentation, and mission assurance practices.
• Mentor engineering staff and serve as the primary liaison between engineering, program management, and external technical partners.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• U.S. Citizenship and Active Top Secret/SCI clearance (or the ability to obtain SCI within a reasonable time).
• Bachelor’s degree or Masters (preferred) in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• 15+ years in System Engineering for complex DoD systems, with 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience with ISR or sensing systems, such as radar, EO/IR, SIGINT, or acoustic platforms.
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., Cameo, Rhapsody, MagicDraw).
• Familiarity with open architecture standards such as SOSA, MOSA, and FACE.
• Deep understanding of systems engineering lifecycle, from concept development through deployment.
• Strong communication skills with demonstrated ability to interface with senior military and civilian leaders.
• Able to develop and present presentations to senior military and civilian leaders.
• Must be available to work onsite as needed; Onsite presence may occasionally be required for extended periods (e.g., full workweeks for special projects)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• INCOSE CSEP or ESEP certification.
• Prior experience with DARPA, DIU, or other rapid innovation DoD programs.
• Understanding of security disciplines including cybersecurity, Anti-Tamper, and Program Protection Planning (PPP).
• Familiarity with one or more Government Reference Architectures (GRAs) such as AMS GRA, A-GRA, or OMS/UCI
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and their application in GRAs
• Knowledge of FACE (Future Airborne Capability Environment) Technical Standard
• Understanding of SOSA (Sensor Open Systems Architecture) aligned systems
• Mission Modeling experience. For example, working knowledge of OCA/DCA, ISR, SEAD/DEAD, Electronic Attack, or Integrated Fire Control missions

ESC offers a competitive compensation package that includes premium health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, and more. We also prioritize work-life balance, supporting our team in maintaining a healthy blend of professional and personal well-being.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION

Eiden Systems Corporation (ESC) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace. ESC does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

In accordance with 41 CFR 60-1.35(c), ESC will not discharge or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants for discussing, disclosing, or inquiring about their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to compensation information as part of their essential job functions may not disclose the pay of others to individuals who do not have authorized access—unless such disclosure is made (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or legal action (including those conducted by ESC), or (c) as otherwise required by law.

NO THIRD PARTIES