Hiring our Heroes Skillbridge - Systems Engineer

Systems Planning & Analysis; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning & Analysis is seeking a Systems Engineer to provide analytic and engineering support for acquisition activities in Alexandria, Virginia. The ideal candidate will apply engineering principles to data analysis and translate complex technical problems into actionable insights for leadership.

This role requires participation in the Skillbridge Fellowship program, offering on-site experience beneficial for transitioning military personnel. The position emphasizes continuous improvement and collaboration within a team dedicated to national security.

Qualifications

• Must be an active participant in the Hiring Our Heroes Skillbridge Fellowship to be considered for the Externship.
• Experience providing technical or programmatic support to a large acquisition program (DoD preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, data analysis, or an equivalent technical field.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Excel for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Provide analytic and engineering support to acquisition activities.
• Translate complex technical problems into leadership-ready briefs.
• Perform program data analysis and assessment of engineering management efforts.

Skills

Technical or programmatic support

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Data analysis

Engineering principles application

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline

Equivalent technical field

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the U.S. and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing results that matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear‑sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

SPA provides timely, objective, analytic assessments that integrate technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis to a variety of government acquisition offices. These offices span throughout the Department of Defense to include major defense programs and new weapon technology development programs. Analysts and engineers supporting these programs would continue SPA’s decades of support to high‑profile, major acquisition programs.

Skillbridge Fellowship

At SPA, we are committed to our nation's military and veterans through our partnership with Hiring Our Heroes, providing an opportunity for transitioning service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through an individual fellowship. The fellowship is open to all ranks and experience levels.

During this program, the service member will be on‑site performing an individual externship in a mid‑to‑mid‑to‑senior level career‑type role. The service member will be receiving on‑the‑job training, supporting a work schedule equivalent to 32 hours per week. The program provides a comprehensive fellowship experience including professional development, networking with leadership, and training specifically focused on SPA’s leadership principles, company history, stakeholder engagement, product and service overview, and core job responsibilities. Our goal is to provide qualified individuals with a full‑time offer at the conclusion of the Skillbridge Externship program.

Responsibilities

The Systems Engineer will provide analytic and engineering support to important acquisition activities, with a focus on the application of engineering principles to program data analysis, assessment of engineering management efforts, and analysis of platform procurement and construction activities. Additionally, the Systems Engineer will translate complex technical problems into leadership‑ready briefs, including briefs to senior leadership on analytic findings and progress.

Qualifications

Must be an active participant in the Hiring Our Heroes Skillbridge Fellowship to be considered for the Externship.

Experience Levels

• Junior: BA/BS (technical field) with 2‑4 years of experience
• Mid‑level: BA/BS (technical field) with 5‑9 years of experience
• Senior: BA/BS (technical field) with 10‑14 years of experience

Required Qualifications

• Experience providing technical or programmatic support to a large acquisition program (DoD preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering discipline, data analysis, or an equivalent technical field (i.e. Systems, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, etc.).
• Proficient in using Microsoft Excel to analyze and represent data for engineering or project management efforts.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office, including Word and PowerPoint, to communicate to decision makers.

Desired Qualifications

• Current DoD security clearance – minimum Secret, with the ability to maintain it throughout employment.
• Advanced degrees in an engineering discipline.
• Understanding of data visualization for DoD wargames and analysis, modeling, counter WMD technologies, or related work.
• Experience working on Navy, submarine, or undersea related programs.
• Experience with and knowledgeable of Department of Defense or Navy requirements and program office organizations and processes.