Junior Engineer – Defense and Security Assistance

UICGS / Bowhead Family of Companies; Aberdeen (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense contracting company is seeking a motivated Junior Engineer to provide vital support for military systems involved in foreign military sales. Join a dynamic team where you can contribute to global security missions while enhancing your engineering skills. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a security clearance. The target salary range is $80,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, and may include up to 10% travel for overseas assignments.

Qualifications

• 2 – 5+ years of Engineering experience.
• Previous experience supporting the U.S. Army or Department of Defense (DoD) is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering and analysis of FMS country requirements.
• Analyze contract technical deliverables for FMS programs.
• Conduct market research and analyze results.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Proactive attitude

Eagerness to learn

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering technical discipline

Job description

Overview

Are you ready to jumpstart your engineering career while supporting some of the most important missions in national security and international partnerships? Bowhead is seeking a motivated Junior Engineer to join our dynamic team providing critical support for C5ISR (Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems to our international partners through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

As a Junior Engineer, you will work side‑by‑side with experienced professionals, government agencies, and defense industry leaders to deliver technology solutions around the world. You will play a key role in shaping global security by supporting military readiness and capability enhancement for allied nations.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering and analysis of FMS country requirements.
• Analyze contract technical deliverables for adequacy and completeness for FMS programs, including system design documents, test plan and report documentation, operator and maintenance technical manuals, training documentation and materials.
• Vet release of FMS country requested equipment in accordance with Chapter 3 of the Security Assistance Management Manual.
• Conduct market research and analyze market research results.
• Converse with a wide range of technical skill sets in supporting Security Assistance requirements for Country, Office of Security, DSCA/USASAC and vendors/industry partners.
• Apply technical knowledge of C5ISR systems such as Combat Net Radio (CNR), Sensors (Firefinder Radars), SMART‑T (COM), Night Vision, Intelligence, Electronic Warfare (IEW) and satellites.
• Assess configuration management of assigned equipment.
• Develop, for Government review and approval, Acquisition Requirements Packages (ARP) for definite and Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts. ARPs include, at a minimum: Statements of Work or Performance Work Statement, System Requirements Documents, Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCE), Source Selection Evaluation Plans (SSEPs), Quality Assurance Support Plans (QASP), OPSEC Cover Sheets.
• Perform FMS case technical evaluations for Government approval and assess technical requirements in accordance with Chapter 5.1.7.1.2 of the Security Assistance Management Manual.
• Advise Source Selection Evaluation Boards (SSEBs) in accordance with Chapter 6.3 of the Security Assistance Management Manual.
• Program briefs to organizations and customers using Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.
• Assist the Government in preparing the following types of documents, which are not all‑inclusive:
  • Justification and Approval (J&A) and Memo in Lieu of J&A
  • Country‑directed sole source awards
  • Undefinitized Contract Actions
  • Urgency Statements
  • Engineering Change Proposals
  • Contract modifications
  • Conduct and participate in witnessing test and acceptance events
  • Other duties as assigned.
• Travel, including OCONUS, up to 10%.
• This is a Junior‑level position, and the candidate will be provided with the necessary training to support the above‑mentioned duties.

Join a mission‑driven team where your contributions have a global impact. At Bowhead, you’ll not only grow your technical expertise but also become part of something bigger: advancing U.S. and allied capabilities while gaining real‑world experience in high‑demands defense sectors.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering technical discipline Required.
• 2 – 5+ years of Engineering experience.
• Strong communication skills and an eagerness to learn.
• A proactive attitude with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Nice to Have

• Previous experience supporting the U.S. Army, Department of Defense (DoD) highly desired.
• Familiarity with a wide variety of military equipment.
• Experience with technical writing and training.
• Organizational skills with an ability to balance attention to detail with strategic thinking.
• An inquisitive mindset – someone who loves to ask the right questions and solve complex problems.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time.
• Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically.

Target Salary Range

Target salary range is $80,000 to $110,000; commensurate with experience.

Security Clearance Requirements

Must currently hold a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.