Senior Systems Engineer

Saic; Lakehurst (NJ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC's AAG/EMALS Systems Engineering Branch is seeking multiple talented Systems Engineers to join our high-impact team. You will contribute to design, development, integration, and fielding of advanced naval aviation systems, ensuring performance, safety, and lifecycle compliance.

Candidates should have a BS in Engineering, 5+ years in DoD/NAVAIR environments, DoD 5000 lifecycle experience, and Interim Clearance to Start. Proficiency with MS Office and JIRA is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• Minimum 5 years experience in Systems Engineering, preferably within DoD or NAVAIR environments.
• Experience with DoD 5000 Acquisition Lifecycle.
• Interim Clearance to Start required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate lifecycle-optimized systems engineering activities.
• Manage internal and external system interfaces for compatibility and performance.
• Conduct system architecture design, component selection, and integration planning.
• Provide technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams across hardware, software, and cyber.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Critical thinking

Systems engineering

Independent and collaborative

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical/Computer, Systems, or Industrial Engineering)

Tools

JIRA

Microsoft Office

DoD 5000 knowledge

Job description

Description

We are seeking multiple talented and dedicated Systems Engineers to join our high-impact team within the AAG/EMALS Systems Engineering (SE) Branch. In this role, you will play a critical part in the design, development, integration, and fielding of advanced systems supporting complex naval aviation platforms and technologies. Our division is responsible for systems engineering management, planning, analysis, and requirements analysis.

You will contribute to the development of aircraft systems, ship integration efforts, and cutting-edge enabling technologies. Your efforts will directly support the execution of the Department of Defense (DoD) 5000 Acquisition Framework for major weapons systems. The role focuses on ensuring the system meets all requirements, including performance, safety, and compatibility, throughout their entire lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

Systems Engineering & Integration:

• Lead and coordinate technical activities to ensure stakeholder needs are translated into effective, lifecycle-optimized systems
• Manage internal and external system interfaces for compatibility and performance
• Conduct system architecture design, component selection, and integration planning to meet all requirements
• Ensure alignment of system design with functional and physical requirements across hardware, software, data, and infrastructure
• Provide expert technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams, including systems, hardware, software, test, cybersecurity, and safety

Program Execution & Acquisition Support:

• Apply extensive knowledge of Systems Engineering for major weapon systems in alignment with the DoD 5000 Acquisition framework
• Support and execute technical reviews and major milestones (SRRs, PDRs, Milestone A, etc.), ensuring technical rigor and compliance with all criteria
• Assist with the development of technical guidance, instructions, and program documentation (white papers, decision memos, technical assessments)
• Collaborate with a multifaceted team of stakeholders (engineering, logistics, manufacturing, program leadership) to solve complex problems with many competing objectives
• Participate in key program activities, including Risk Management, Configuration Management, Trade-off Analysis, Technical Reviews, and Modeling & Simulation
• Experience supporting ACAT I program through all phases of the acquisition lifecycle

Technical Leadership & Risk Management:

• Provide technical oversight and integration guidance to multidisciplinary teams (systems, test, cyber, safety, hardware, software)
• Conduct system architecture design, component selection, integration planning, and technical risk assessments
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure program stability
• Prepare and review required documentation, including technical proposals, engineering reports, drawings, white papers, and status briefings
• Document solutions in relation to technical, cost, and schedule constraints

Engineering Analysis & Testing:

• Oversee integration, testing, and evaluation of systems and subsystems
• Conduct performance testing and validation analysis to ensure systems meet operational requirements
• Prepare detailed technical documents such as specifications, test plans, and engineering reports

Communication & Collaboration:

• Interface with stakeholders across program offices, fleet users, contractors, and industry
• Translate complex technical information for senior leadership, including non-technical decision-makers
• Support collaboration between engineering, logistics, test, and acquisition teams
• Provide regular progress reports and presentations to program management and stakeholders

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical/Computer, Systems, or Industrial Engineering preferred)
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Systems Engineering, preferably within DoD or NAVAIR environments
• Experience with Systems Engineering processes, especially within the DoD 5000 Acquisition Lifecycle
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross‑functional teams
• Clearance Requirement: Interim Clearance required to Start
• Proficiency in Microsoft Products (Word, Excel, PowerBi)
• Experience with one of the following fields:
  • Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Experience
  • Engineering Change Proposals
  • Ship Integration

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in JIRA application
• Experience in process and review Requests for Engineering Investigation (REIs)

Target salary range: $80,001 - $120,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.