Flight Systems Engineer

jrc; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Excellent benefits program

Growth opportunities

Job summary

JRC invites seasoned engineers to join a critical Missile System Integration team in the Washington, DC area. The role focuses on end-to-end payload integration, system interfaces, and verification across HWIL/SWIL environments, ensuring safety, mission success, and program integrity.

You will develop interfaces, manage ICDs and functional specs, and coordinate reviews with DoD stakeholders while supporting cost/schedule trade-offs and risk mitigation.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of defense-related systems engineering experience on missile or aerospace MDAPs.
• Experience with payload integration, flight system to payload interface definition, and HWIL/SWIL verification.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical contributor to LOC Missile System Integration Section Head.
• Lead and co-lead the development, issuance, and maintenance of the Flight System to Payload ICD and related specs.
• Plan and execute flight system to payload integration activities with clear handoffs between streams.
• Lead HWIL/SWIL verification procedures and analyze results for risk mitigation.
• Provide input to ERB, TRMB, and CCB as payload interface SME.
• Contribute payload interface content to SEP, TEMP, and Mission Assurance Plan.

Skills

Payload integration

HWIL/SWIL verification

Systems engineering

Top Secret clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

ICDs

Functional specifications

Requirements traceability matrices

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 and Space Team!

The Flight Systems Engineer (FSE) serves as the critical technical contributor to the LOC Missile System Integration section for a Department of War (DoW) Category 1D Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) missile system. This position is responsible for the end-to-end integration of warhead and payload - ensuring the flight systems architecture meets mission, safety, surety, performance requirement

What You'll Do

• Serve as critical technical contributor reporting to the LOC Missile System Integration Section Head on all payload segment design, manufacturing, and integration efforts.
• Support command efforts to ensure compliance with Nuclear Weapons System Surety and Safety requirements.
• Co-Lead and support where appropriate the development, issuance, and maintenance of the Flight System to Payload Interface Control Document (ICD) and related functional specifications.
• Plan and execute flight system to payload integration activities, ensuring clear hand offs between payload and shipboard integration work streams.
• Lead hardware in the loop (HWIL) and software in the loop (SWIL) verification of the payload interface; define test procedures, success criteria, and analyze results.
• Identify , assess, and mitigate/enable technical risks/opportunities specific to the payload interface; track mitigation/enabling actions.
• Provide technical input to Engineering Review Boards (ERB), technical Risk and Opportunities Management Boards (TRMB), and Configuration Control Boards (CCB) as the payload interface subject matter expert.
• Contribute payload interface content to the Systems Engineering Plan (SEP), Mission Assurance Plan, and Test & Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP).
• Assist in the oversight of Integration and Test efforts for the LOC missile inclusive of hardware, instrumentation, data-collection, post-test analysis, and ship-integration
• Prepare and present payload integration status for major technical and programmatic LOC reviews.
• Advise and contribute on flight system cost/schedule/technical trade-offs, and its documentation.

What You Bring to the Table

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Systems, or related discipline).
• Minimum 7 years of defense related systems engineering experience on missile or aerospace MDAPs.
• Demonstrated experience in payload integration, flight system to payload interface definition, and hardware/software verification (HWIL/SWIL)
• Demonstrated experience in missile systems design, integration, and verification.
• Proficiency in authoring and managing ICDs, functional specifications, and requirements traceability matrices.
• Strong communication skills and ability to interface with OSD, Service PAEs, and FFRDC stakeholders.
• Active Top Secret clearance (SCI eligibility required).

Bonus Points

• 10 years of defense related systems engineering experience on missile or aerospace MDAPs.
• 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.

Additional Information:

This position requires regular interaction with senior DoW, FFRDC, and industry leadership. Travel (~50%) to test ranges, contractor facilities, weapons facilities, and government labs is required to support technical and programmatic reviews, integration events, and milestone readiness assessments.

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