Lead Systems Engineer

RKF Engineering Solutions, LLC (DBA Auria); Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 116,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Flexible schedule

11 paid holidays

401(k) match

Job summary

Auria is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to support the HADES program at Kirtland AFB, NM. The role requires full-time on-site presence and involves technical leadership, requirements management, and system integration for ground systems supporting experimental mission capabilities in TS/SCI and SAP environments.

The candidate will collaborate with government stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams to plan, assess, and deliver engineering solutions, while maintaining technical baselines and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Systems Engineering, Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience performing systems engineering, software engineering, systems integration, infrastructure engineering, test and evaluation for complex DoD or Federal programs.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience supporting space, satellite ground systems, command and control, telemetry processing, mission management, or related space enterprise programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams supporting software, infrastructure, cybersecurity, integration, test, or mission support activities.
• Demonstrated experience developing, managing, and maintaining technical baselines, system requirements, interface definitions, and engineering documentation.
• Experience applying MBSE methodologies and tools, including Cameo, SysML, or equivalent engineering frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior technical lead for HADES task orders and oversee technical planning, engineering execution, system integration and risk management.
• Provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams and coordinate engineering activities across stakeholders.
• Ensure successful delivery of technical objectives by working with Government stakeholders, program leadership, and mission partners.

Skills

Security clearance TS/SCI

MBSE

System engineering

Leadership

Requirements management

Technical risk management

Communication

Collaborative

Education

Bachelor's degree (Systems Engineering)

Master's degree (Systems Engineering)

Tools

Cameo

SysML

Job description

Auria is looking to hire a Lead Systems Engineer to support HADES. This opening requires full-time presence in Kirtland AFB, NM

The Hybrid Architecture and Development for Experimental Systems (HADES) Program provides maintenance, sustainment, development, integration, and test support for ground systems supporting experimental mission capabilities at the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) Support Complex at Kirtland AFB, NM. The program supports existing capabilities and the development, integration, testing, and deployment of capabilities supporting new mission partners and emerging mission requirements within TS/SCI and Special Access Program (SAP) environments.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO DO

The Lead Systems Engineer serves as the senior technical lead for assigned HADES task orders and is responsible for technical planning, engineering execution, system integration, and technical risk management. The Lead Systems Engineer provides technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams, oversees requirements development and technical baseline management, coordinates engineering activities across multiple stakeholders, and leads technical assessments, solution development, and integration planning supporting emerging requirements and mission needs. Working closely with Government stakeholders, program leadership, technical teams, and mission partners, the Lead Systems Engineer ensures successful delivery of technical objectives.

WHAT THE TEAM REQUIRES

• U.S. Citizen. with Active Top Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI and SAP access.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Systems Engineering, Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience performing systems engineering, software engineering, systems integration, infrastructure engineering, test and evaluation, or related technical activities for complex DoD or Federal programs.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience supporting space, satellite ground systems, command and control, telemetry processing, mission management, or related space enterprise programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams supporting software, infrastructure, cybersecurity, integration, test, or mission support activities.
• Demonstrated experience developing, managing, and maintaining technical baselines, system requirements, interface definitions, and engineering documentation.
• Demonstrated experience planning, coordinating, and executing system integration, test, deployment, and technical implementation activities.
• Demonstrated experience conducting technical assessments, trade studies, engineering analyses, and solution development activities supporting emerging requirements and evolving mission needs.
• Demonstrated experience managing technical risk, resolving complex engineering issues, and supporting root cause analysis activities.
• Experience coordinating engineering activities across Government stakeholders, technical teams, mission partners, subcontractors, and program leadership.
• Demonstrated experience supporting requirements management, interface management, configuration management, and technical governance activities.
• Experience applying Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies and tools, including Cameo, SysML, or equivalent engineering frameworks
• Excellent verbal, written, communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Mission-Driven Professional: Collaborative contributor motivated by the opportunity to develop cutting‑edge solutions that protect and serve both the nation and the world.

WHAT THE TEAM PREFERS

• Experience supporting U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command, Combatant Commands, Space Development Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, Missile Defense Agency, or other space-focused DoD organizations.
• Experience supporting TS/SCI and SAP programs operating across multiple security domains.
• Experience supporting maintenance, sustainment, development, integration, and test activities for satellite ground systems, mission systems, or research and development environments.
• Experience supporting cloud-based, hybrid, or virtualized system architectures.
• Experience supporting Agile development, DevSecOps, digital engineering, or continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) environments.
• INCOSE ASEP, CSEP, ESEP, or equivalent systems engineering certification.
• Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The salary offered will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications - skills, education & experience - and the position level. $116,000 - $145,200

APPLICATION DEADLINE

September 30, 2026

THE AURIA TEAM

Auria is a provider of solutions and software in support of complex Space, National Security, and Cyber missions of federal, international, and commercial customers. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO our success is built on the excellence of diverse teams advancing innovative systems and operational software to strengthen our customers' missions. With a distinguished track record and a spirit of relentless pursuit, and R&D, we set the pace for progress and execute every mission with the utmost precision.

Why You'll Love Working at Auria

We believe our team does their best work when they are well-supported, financially secure, and have the freedom to balance life outside of the office.

Time for What Matters

• Generous & Growing PTO: Start with a substantial paid time off package that increases every year you're with us.
• True Flexibility: Contract permitting, use Flex Time to work in a way that fits your life, not just your 8-to-5.
• 11 Paid Days Off: Enjoy 6 fixed company holidays plus 5 Floating Holidays to use whenever you choose.

Invested in Your Future

• 401(k) Match -Yours to Keep Instantly: We match up to 4% of your contributions. B oth your contributions and the company match are yours from day one with no vesting wait-period.
• Industry-Leading Education Support: Level up with up to $12,000 annually for tuition and certifications. We don't just hire talent; we grow it.

Health & Peace of Mind

• Premium Healthcare, Lower Costs: High-quality medical plans paired with a Company-Sponsored HSA to help you save for the future.
• Fully Covered Life Insurance: Breathe easy with life insurance up to $50K provided at zero cost to you.
• Holistic Support: Access our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial coaching, and more.

...and that's just the beginning!

Auria is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action-Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.