Deputy Branch Engineer

JRC Integrated Systems; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Excellent benefits

Growth opportunities

Job summary

JRC Integrated Systems in Washington, DC, is seeking a Deputy Branch Engineer (DBE) to act as the principal deputy to the Branch Engineer on a DoD MDAP missiles program. You will lead systems engineering, architecture, and risk management across propulsion, guidance, and test activities.

The role requires 15+ years in defense systems engineering, 5 years in a technical leadership role, an active TS clearance, and strong MBSE/digital engineering experience with Cameo, DOORS, and Teamcenter.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of defense system engineering experience
• 5+ years in a technical leadership role on an MDAP
• Active Top Secret clearance (SCI eligibility)
• Extensive knowledge of DoD 5000-series policies
• Demonstrated missile systems design, integration, and verification
• Proficiency in MBSE, digital engineering, and model‑based data environments

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal technical advisor to the Branch Engineer and Program Manager on systems engineering and architecture matters
• Support system integration across propulsion, guidance, control, fire control, and launch subsystems
• Support safety and nuclear surety compliance requirements
• Implement configuration management policies and ensure traceability from requirements to test artifacts
• Ensure design integrity through requirements traceability, verification, and validation
• Support review boards and milestone assessments
• Assist in SEP, Mission Assurance Plan, and TEMP inputs
• Oversee integration and test efforts for the LOC missile and ship integration
• Identify and mitigate technical risks across development and lifecycle
• Advise on acquisition strategy, cost, schedule, and technical trade-offs
• Mentor multidisciplinary teams to promote technical excellence

Skills

Systems engineering

MBSE

Digital engineering

MBSE tools

Clearance TS

DoD acquisition policies

Leadership

Communication

Travel up to 50%

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Systems Engineering

Tools

Cameo

DOORS

Teamcenter

Job description

Who We Are (video)

At JRC, we tackle some of the toughest challenges faced by the Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies. Our expertise in engineering innovation and semiconductor technologies allows us to deliver mission-critical microelectronics solutions, aerospace systems engineering, and cutting-edge research and development. By joining JRC, you’ll be part of a team that supports strategic deterrence and defense missions, playing a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the United States and its allies.

Join JRC's Missiles & SpaceTeam!

Step into one of the most technically influential roles in the program: as the Deputy Branch Engineer (DBE), you’ll be the principal deputy and trusted technical right hand to the Branch Engineer for a Department of War Category 1D Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) strategic missile system.

In this role, you’ll guide the engineering heart of a program that integrates complex warhead, missile, and shipboard systems—ensuring the weapon system is safe, reliable, digitally engineered, and mission-ready. You’ll shape everything from system architecture and integration to test execution, design assurance, and technical readiness for major reviews. Your work ensures compliance with DoD policies, nuclear surety requirements, and mission assurance standards, all while advising leadership on critical technical and acquisition decisions.

If you’re energized by solving hard systems problems, leading multidisciplinary teams, and safeguarding the nation’s strategic capabilities, this position puts you at the center of engineering excellence for one of the DoD’s most consequential programs.

What You'll Do

• Serve as principal technical advisor to the Branch Engineer and Program Manager on all systems engineering and architecture matters.
• Support system integration efforts across propulsion, guidance, control, fire control, and launch subsystems.
• Support the Command Safety Working Group (CSWG) and ensure compliance with Nuclear Weapons System Surety and Safety requirements.
• Support Configuration & Data Management Governance by implementing Configuration Management (CM) policies and ensuring traceability from high-level requirements to test results and certification artifacts.
• Ensure design integrity through requirements traceability, verification, and validation processes.
• Support Engineering Review Boards (ERB), Risk and Opportunity Management Boards (ROMB), and Configuration Control Boards (CCB).
• Assist in the review and maintenance of the Systems Engineering Plan (SEP), Mission Assurance Plan, and Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) inputs.
• Assist in the oversight of Integration and Test efforts for the LOC missile, including hardware, instrumentation, data collection, post-test analysis, and ship integration.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks across the system development and deployed lifecycle.
• Ensure technical rigor, compliance, and readiness for major technical and programmatic reviews for the LOC.
• Advise on acquisition strategy, cost, schedule, technical trade-offs, and milestone documentation.
• Mentor multidisciplinary government and contractor engineering teams to promote technical excellence and mission assurance.

What You Bring to the Table

• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Systems, or related discipline).
• 15+ years of experience in defense system engineering with 5 years in a technical leadership role on an MDAP.
• An Active Top Secret clearance (SCI eligibility required).
• Extensive knowledge of DoD 5000-series acquisition policies, including DoDI 3150.02, DoDI 5000.88, and 5000.02.
• Demonstrated experience in missile systems design, integration, and verification.
• Proficiency in MBSE, digital engineering, and model-based data environments (Cameo, DOORS, Teamcenter).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to interact effectively with OSD, Service PAEs, FFRDCs, and industry stakeholders.
• Requires frequent engagement with senior DoW, FFRDC, and industry leaders, and up to 50% travel to test ranges, contractor sites, weapons facilities, and government labs to support technical reviews, integration events, and milestone assessments.

Bonus Points

• Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• DAWIA Advanced Certification in Engineering or Program Management.
• Experience supporting sea-based nuclear-capable or strategic missile programs.
• Prior SSP, NNSA, or Navy experience with nuclear weapons programs.
• Sea-Launch Platform Experience such as SSN, SSBN, and SSGN
• Familiarity with DoDI 8510.01 (RMF), MIL-STD-882E (System Safety), and mission assurance processes.

At JRC we offer...

• A competitive compensation package
• An exceptional employee benefits program, providing support for our team members' well-being and success
• The chance to contribute to a high-profile Department of Defense programs and make a positive impact
• A collaborative work environment where teamwork, creativity, and innovation thrive
• Opportunities for professional growth and development, helping you advance your career