Senior Systems Engineer

Na Oiwi Kane; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, disability, &

life insurance

401(k)

PTO

Paid Parental Leave

Military Differential

Tuition reimbursement

Paid federal holidays

Job summary

Galapagos Federal Systems LLC seeks a Senior Systems Engineer to support USSF space operations. You will contribute to OTTI IPO and Space Systems Command initiatives, shaping system design, integration, and sustainment of advanced test and training capabilities.

The ideal candidate has a TS clearance, 10+ years with DoD systems engineering, and hands-on experience across space technology disciplines. This on-site role includes travel up to 25% and collaboration with government and industry

Qualifications

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• 10+ years of DoD experience in systems engineering, RDT&E or related programs.
• Experience delivering to SPOs/PMOs and related offices.
• Experience with RDT&E and test and training materiel systems.
• Experience deploying, integrating, operating, and sustaining space test materiel.
• Strong knowledge of SE principles and processes.
• Experience with Cameo Systems Modeler and SysML.
• Knowledge of JCIDS and DoDAF processes and artifacts.
• Experience across space tech disciplines (EO/IR, RF, GNC, etc.).
• Willingness to work on-site and travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Conduct feasibility studies and concept exploration to evaluate system solutions.
• Perform DRM engineering and supporting system analysis.
• Develop and refine CONOPS to support mission requirements.
• Develop and manage system requirements, ICDs, verification plans, and validation.
• Perform change management and technical impact assessment.
• Align PPBE activities with technical efforts for OTTI.
• Support SE activities through RDT&E, integration, and sustainment.
• Collaborate with government and stakeholders to deliver systems.

Skills

Active DoD Top Secret clearance with

10+ years DoD experience

Experience with SPOs/PMOs

RDT&E experience

Space test & training materiel

SE principles & processes

Cameo Systems Modeler

SysML

JCIDS/DoDAF knowledge

Space tech disciplines

On-site work & 25% travel

Education

BS in Systems Engineering

MS in Systems Engineering or related

Tools

Cameo Systems Modeler

SysML

Job description

Overview

Job Summary

Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is seeking an experienced Senior Systems Engineer to support the United States Space Force (USSF) and its mission‑critical space operations.

In this role, you will support the Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) Integrated Program Office (IPO) and Space Systems Command’s System Delta 81, contributing to the development, acquisition, integration, and sustainment of advanced test and training capabilities that enhance USSF readiness and operational effectiveness.

The ideal candidate is a technically skilled and mission‑focused professional who combines systems engineering expertise, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills to deliver results in a fast‑paced DoD environment.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Systems Engineer will:

• Conduct feasibility studies and concept exploration to evaluate system and capability solutions
• Perform Design Reference Mission (DRM) engineering and supporting system analysis
• Develop and refine Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) to support mission and operational requirements
• Develop and manage system requirements, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), verification plans, system validation activities, and operational support requirements
• Perform change management and technical analysis to assess impacts to system requirements, interfaces, and program objectives
• Assess, align, and integrate Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) activities with technical efforts supporting the Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI)
• Support systems engineering activities throughout Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), integration, fielding, and sustainment
• Collaborate with government, engineering, acquisition, and program stakeholders to support successful system and capability delivery

Requirements

Skills and Experience

The Senior Systems Engineer must have:

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
• 10+ years of relevant Department of Defense (DoD) experience supporting systems engineering, RDT&E, acquisition, or related technical programs
• Experience supporting System Program Offices (SPOs), Program Management Offices (PMOs), or system and capability delivery to SPOs/PMOs
• Demonstrated experience with Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) and test and training materiel systems
• Experience with the deployment, integration, operation, and sustainment of space test and training materiel systems
• Strong knowledge and practical application of Systems Engineering (SE) principles and processes supporting system RDT&E, integration, and fielding
• Experience with Cameo Systems Modeler and Systems Modeling Language (SysML)
• Working knowledge of the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) and DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) processes and artifacts
• Experience across relevant space technology disciplines, such as space system architectures, satellite and ground segment design, electro‑optical/infrared (EO/IR) and radio frequency (RF) sensors, astrodynamics, propulsion, Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC), space data communications, or Space Battle Management and Control
• Ability to work full-time on‑site and travel up to 25%, as required

Education and Certifications

The Senior Systems Engineer must meet the following:

Required

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree (required) in Systems Engineering or a related engineering field (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Software, etc.)
• Degrees in other Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields may be considered with substantial, relevant professional experience

Preferred

• Master’s degree (MS/ME/MA) in Systems Engineering or a related field
• Degrees in other STEM fields may also be considered with significant, relevant professional experience

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k)
• PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Military Differential
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid federal holidays

Security Clearance

A high‑level Department of Defense active security clearance is/may be required. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to government information.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods of time and typing and reading from a computer screen. The candidate must have enough mobility, including bending, reaching, and kneeling, to complete daily duties in a prompt and efficient manner, and that may include lifting up to thirty pounds, as necessary.

Company Summary

Headquartered in Hawaii, Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC, is an SBA‑Certified NHO‑owned 8(a) Small Business specializing in global information technology solutions. We deliver professional services in IT Design & Installation, Cybersecurity Engineering & Support, Application Integration & Development, Software & Hardware Engineering, Network & Systems Management, Information Systems Security, and Business Management Services.

Leveraging over 30 years of providing IT services to the federal & commercial market with projects found around the world, our team has innovative expertise in the development of a wide range of technological solutions. Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.

Our service commitment is simple - “Quality IT Solutions… On Time & On Budget.”

Company Employment Statement

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC reserves the right to change or modify job duties and assignments at any time. The above job description is not all encompassing as positions, functions, and qualifications may vary depending on business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, creed, religion, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or Vietnam era, or other eligible veteran status or legally protected characteristics.

The final salary offered within the posted range will be based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, education, and other job‑related factors.

Posted Salary Range

USD $185,000.00 - USD $195,000.00 /Yr.