Lead Systems Engineer

North Wind; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

North Wind in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is seeking a highly skilled Lead Systems Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of hypersonic test facilities. The ideal candidate will have 8+ years of experience in complex technical systems and possess strong leadership skills. Responsibilities include overseeing engineering activities, applying Model-Based Systems Engineering methodologies, and ensuring project compliance with standards. North Wind is committed to equal opportunity and supports a safe workplace through thorough background checks.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in complex technical systems with direct experience in systems engineering.
• Ability to perform complex systems analysis and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
• Experience leading system development and design efforts.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate design, development, and optimization activities for test facilities.
• Apply MBSE methodologies to define, model, and simulate system architectures.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, validation plans, and design documentation.

Skills

Technical communication

Critical systems thinking

Problem-solving

Systems analysis

Leadership

Requirements management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field

Tools

SysML

Cameo Systems Modeler

JAMA

DOORS

Job description

Overview

North Wind is a leading independent supplier of complex hypersonic and Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) systems and services. Leveraging decades of specialized experience, North Wind delivers hypersonic and RDT&E capabilities through five complementary business segments: Applied R&D; Test Articles and Critical System Components; Test Facility Design & Build; Test Services; Flight Testing & Flight Systems. The Company’s offerings span the full life cycle of aerospace & defense and commercial systems, including end-to-end turnkey solutions. Learn more at www.north-wind.com.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Systems Engineer to join our team, focusing on the design, development, and optimization of hypersonic test facilities. The role serves as a technical leader who works closely with the Chief Engineers and is a key interface between the engineering team, project manager, subcontractors, and customer. This role requires a team leader capable of developing the vision for systems engineering execution in support of the Chief Engineer\'s technical execution of the program. The Lead Systems Engineer will coordinate with other technical leaders and establish priorities for engineering activities and a framework for the team’s execution in areas including requirement generation and management, interface development and management, risk management and technical margin assessments, system configuration management, and verification and validation efforts. This role will include complex and multi-disciplinary problem solving. This position involves fostering the integration of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies to enhance the performance, reliability, and safety of advanced hypersonic test systems. The ideal candidate will have strong technical leadership experience with domain expertise, with a keen interest in hypersonic technologies.

Responsibilities

• Hypersonic Test Facility Design and Integration
  • Facilitates design, development, and optimization activities for test facilities for wind tunnel systems.
  • Integrate advanced hypersonic testing methodologies, equipment, and systems into facility design and operation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (aerospace, mechanical, electrical, controls and software engineers) to ensure test facilities meet all functional and operational requirements.
  • Synthesize technical risks throughout the lifecycle of the project and present how these represent project or financial risks to the project manager, management, and the end user.
• System Management
  • Apply MBSE methodologies to define, model, and simulate system architectures for hypersonic test facilities.
  • Develop and manage integration of test facility systems including structural, mechanical, thermal, and electrical components, to enhance decision-making and performance validation.
  • Manage system configuration through clear methods to manage change through the course of a program.
  • Utilize MBSE tools (such as SysML, Cameo Systems Modeler) to ensure seamless integration between the various subsystems of the test facility.
• Documentation and Reporting
  • Prepare comprehensive technical reports, validation plans, and design documentation, ensuring that all activities comply with relevant standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Develop and manage programmatic plans such as the System Engineering Management Plan, Interface Control Plan, Configuration Management Plan, Risk Management Plan and System Verification Plan.
  • Maintain clear documentation of MBSE models, simulations, and test results for project reviews and audits.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Proactively identify and implement process improvements to enhance the performance and efficiency of the test facility design and operation.
  • Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in hypersonic technologies, MBSE, and Digital Engineering tools.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Experience:
  • 8+ years of experience in complex technical systems with direct experience in systems engineering for a subset of those years.
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Experienced Leader in areas of technical communication, critical systems thinking, and problem-solving.
  • Experience leading system development and design efforts.
  • Experience with the development of system architecture and directing MBSE architectural decisions.
  • Ability to perform complex systems analysis and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience with system configuration management including facilitating the change process across multiple design disciplines from a configuration baseline.
  • Familiarity with requirements management and tools (JAMA, DOORS, Cameo).
  • Experience with risk and opportunity management.
  • Strong disposition to train, mentor, and support fellow engineers.
• Preferred:
  • Core competency experience in addition to Systems Engineering (Mechanical Design, Aerodynamics, Testing, Analysis, etc.).
  • Hands-on experience with test facilities, such as wind tunnels, shock tubes, or combustion testing.
  • Experience with system performance and technical margin assessments.
  • Familiarity with analytical tools utilized in complex problem solving such as CFD, finite element analysis, thermal analysis and management, and performance simulations. Familiarity with control systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems used in test environments.
  • Experience with agile development processes and collaborative tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence).
  • Experience with Systems Engineering on government contracts.
  • Experience with risk assessments and hazard analysis.
  • Proficiency with MBSE tools (Cameo System Modeler, Enterprise Architect or similar tools).

Due to U.S. State Department restrictions on access to technology, candidates must be “U.S. Persons” as defined by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports a safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.