Mission Planning Systems Engineer

Actalent; Dahlgren (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Dahlgren, VA is seeking a Mission Planning Systems Engineer to support the SLCM-N Fire Control Systems in the SSP mission planning environment. You will define interfaces, conduct investigations, and ensure tools meet complex requirements.

You will review external requirements, develop ICDs, support OTA reviews, and deliver technical briefs to leadership. The role emphasizes collaboration across teams and adherence to security requirements.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Active or interim DoD SECRET clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI.
• Educational level: BS with 5+ years, MS with 3+ years, or PhD with 2+ years relevant experience.
• Experience defining IV&V strategy, planning and execution.
• Knowledge of acquisition processes and SE tradeoffs.
• Understanding of cruise missile flight dynamics.
• Understanding of nuclear warhead requirements and interfaces.
• Understanding of software interfaces and messaging protocols.
• Demonstrated analytical problem-solving in scientific/engineering work.
• Ability to work independently and in teams to meet schedules.
• Experience delivering technical briefs to technical/leadership audiences.
• Initiative and adaptability in a dynamic program environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional SLCM-N team to define and review system and software requirements for mission planning tools.
• Review external requirements and ensure interfaces meet SLCM-N needs.
• Develop and refine ICDs with engineering inputs, redlines and evaluations.
• Support OTA reviews to evaluate Developer performance and readiness for software implementation.
• Provide readiness inputs and impact assessments for vendor deliverables.
• Conduct technical investigations and analyses for mission planning tools.
• Evaluate impacts of new capabilities on baseline architecture and workflows.
• Document findings in technical reports and trade studies.
• Prepare and present technical briefs on progress and integration results.
• Support SETRs, milestones and sponsor-level meetings with concise technical presentations.
• Develop milestone briefing packages and monthly progress/status reports.
• Apply analysis to address engineering challenges within schedule-driven timelines.
• Collaborate across organizations and work independently to meet goals.

Skills

U.S. Citizenship

Security clearance (SECRET)

TS/SCI eligibility

IV&V strategy experience

Acquisition process knowledge

Systems engineering tradeoffs

Flight dynamics understanding

Nuclear warhead interfaces

Software interfaces & messaging

Technical briefing experience

Independent work in teams

Problem-solving with analytical rigor

Strong communication skills

Education

Educational level: advanced degree

Job description

Job Title: Mission Planning Systems Engineer

Job Description

The Mission Planning Systems Engineer will support the development of Sea Launched Cruise MissileNuclear (SLCM-N) Fire Control Systems within the Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) mission planning environment. This role focuses on defining and engineering mission planning interfaces, conducting technical investigations, and providing systems engineering support to ensure that mission planning tools and software integrations meet complex operational and technical requirements.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the cross-functional SLCM-N team to define and review system and software requirements for SLCM-N Mission Planning Tools.

• Review requirements developed by external software developers and provide engineering inputs to ensure system interfaces meet SLCM-N requirements.

• Develop and refine Mission Planning Interface Control Documents (ICDs), including engineering inputs, redlines, and technical evaluations.

• Support and participate in Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Periodic Reviews to evaluate developer performance, track requirements burndown, and verify readiness for software implementation.

• Provide readiness inputs and impact assessments for software developers deliverables to support decision-making on implementation and integration.

• Conduct technical investigations and engineering analyses on potential system capabilities and emerging requirements for SLCM-N Mission Planning tools.

• Evaluate impacts of new or evolving capabilities on baseline system architecture, requirements, and user workflows.

• Document findings in formal technical reports, impact analyses, trade studies, and whitepapers to guide early-stage design decisions.

• Prepare and present technical briefs on systems engineering progress, software developer integration, and technical investigation results.

• Support Systems Engineering Technical Reviews (SETR), program milestones, and sponsor-level meetings with clear, concise technical presentations.

• Develop and deliver program milestone briefing packages, high-level sponsor status slides, and Monthly Progress, Status, and Management Reports.

• Apply analysis and problem-solving techniques to address complex engineering challenges within schedule-driven timelines.

• Collaborate across organizations and established teams while also working independently to meet program goals and deliverables.

Essential Skills

• U.S. Citizenship.

• Active or Interim DoD SECRET clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.

• BS degree with 57 years of relevant experience, or MS degree with 35 years of experience, or PhD with 02 years of experience.

• Experience defining independent verification and validation (IV&V) strategy, planning, and execution approaches.

• Knowledge of the acquisition process and systems engineering tradeoffs.

• Understanding of cruise missile flight dynamics.

• Understanding of nuclear warhead requirements and interfaces.

• Understanding of software interfaces and messaging protocols.

• Demonstrated ability to perform analysis and apply problem-solving techniques to professional scientific and engineering work.

• Ability to work independently and within established teams across organizations to meet schedule-driven goals.

• Experience developing and presenting technical briefs to technical and leadership audiences.

• Initiative and willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic program environment.

• Ability to represent technical work in a manner that instills trust with leadership stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with the Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) office.

• Experience in systems engineering, including requirements definition, design, and technical documentation.

• Experience with validation and verification activities in complex defense or aerospace systems.

• Familiarity with Navy nuclear programs or related defense nuclear systems.

• Knowledge of flight dynamics and their application to mission planning and control systems.

• Experience preparing technical documentation such as whitepapers, impact analyses, trade studies, and formal engineering reports.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for briefings, reports, and sponsor-level presentations.

Work Environment

This role is based 100% on site at Dahlgren in a highly technical, mission-focused environment supporting advanced cruise missile fire control and mission planning systems. Work is performed in a secure facility setting, collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams, software developers, and program stakeholders. The position involves regular participation in technical reviews, program milestones, and sponsor meetings, with a strong emphasis on clear communication, thorough documentation, and adherence to security requirements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Dahlgren, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $155000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Dahlgren, VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Dahlgren,VA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance our engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.