Lead Systems Engineer (MDA)

Mission Driven Research, Inc; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Mission Driven Research, Inc. is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to provide coordinated communications integration support for THAAD programs with international partners.

You will guide systems engineering, perform force design analyses, and collaborate across DoD organizations to resolve technical challenges. The ideal candidate has 12+ years in missile defense or similar complex DoD programs, a Secret clearance, and extensive THAAD/MILSATCOM familiarity.

Qualifications

• Active security clearance required (Secret).
• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or related technical field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of related professional experience in DoD missile defense or similar programs.
• Strong THAAD and MILSATCOM system understanding.
• Experience with DoD terrestrial/satellite comms and data link architectures.
• Ability to develop and present reports to senior management; strong written/verbal skills.
• Ability to lead or work independently in cross‑agency collaborations.
• Knowledge of MDA/THAAD program office activities and system engineering processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering and interoperability guidance for the THAAD system with international partners.
• Assist Engineering Lead in managing technical aspects of force design work.
• Participate in international Tactical Data Link architecture efforts and data link conferences.
• Coordinate force design activities with multiple external agencies and stakeholders.
• Identify deficiencies in design reviews and propose corrective options.
• Document and communicate technical findings clearly to senior decision makers.
• Attend regular and ad hoc force design meetings and technical exchanges.

Skills

Active Secret clearance

THAAD knowledge

MILSATCOM

Senior systems engineering

Independent work / leadership

Technical report writing

Interagency collaboration

Presentation to senior leaders

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

TDL J / Link 11 / Link 16

RMF / risk management

Microsoft Word / Excel / PowerPoint

Job description

MDR is looking for an amazingly talented Lead Systems Engineer to join our team! In this role you will provide coordinated communications integration support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Chief Engineer and United Arab Emirates (UAE) THAAD Engineering Lead.

What You'll Be Doing

• Provide systems and interoperability engineering, analysis, and technical guidance regarding the THAAD weapon system with international partners.
• Assist Engineering Lead with managing the technical aspects of all assigned force design work
• Assisting with international Tactical Data Link Architecture, attending data link conferences
• Collaborate and coordinate on force design technical efforts with multiple external agencies and stakeholders
• Identify deficiencies and shortcomings in planned or ongoing design reviews and provide options for fixing them
• Document and communicate interim and final technical findings and results in a clear manner that is understandable to senior-level decision makers
• Actively participate in regular and ad hoc force design meetings and technical exchanges

What Required Skills You'll Bring

• Active Secret clearance
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or an equivalent technical/scientific discipline specifically related to area of specialty and an Advanced degree may be preferred at this level
• 10+ years of related professional experience
• Technical understanding and experience with THAAD
• Experience with DoD terrestrial and satellite communication systems (MILSATCOM)
• Develop and present reports and presentations to senior management-level personnel; exceptional written and verbal skills required
• Works independently and/or leads teams to analyze and resolve problems
• Familiarity with Missile Defense Agency, Ballistic Missile Defense System, and/or THAAD Program Office work efforts
• Proficiency in system engineering and execution processes

What Desired Skills You'll Bring

• Master's degree in STEM and 12+ years working on missile defense-related or other complex, large DoD program/project
• Tactical data links (TDL J, Link 11, Link 16) systems, encryption systems, precision timing systems (PNT), and DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF)
• Military experience with Air Defense Artillery, Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and Common Data Link Interface-Module (CDLI-M)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint
• Work within a collaborative environment composed of Government, prime contractor, sub-contractor and supporting contractor personnel in a badge-less contractor environment
• Self-starter with enthusiasm and capacity to learn in a fast-paced environment
• Prior experience within Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs

Position Requirements

• Clearance Required
  • Secret
• Position Level
  • Principal
• FT/PT
  • Full Time
• Years Related Work Experience
  • 12
• Education Level Required
  • Master's

Mission Driven Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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