Software Engineer III - SMPES SME

Apogee Engineering; Bellevue Second IV Precinct (NE); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Apogee Engineering seeks a Senior Principal Systems Engineer-Strategic Mission Planning & Execution System SME to lead technical coordination and architecture for the SMPES portfolio, supporting Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and USSTRATCOM/J5.

You will drive integration of OT, cloud, and analytics, while applying MBSE and modern digital engineering practices to replace legacy documentation frameworks. On-site at Offutt AFB, NE, with 10% travel and a TS/SCI clearance required.

Qualifications

• US citizenship required.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with SAP and NC2 eligibility.
• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace/Electrical Engineering).
• 8+ years of advanced systems engineering experience including SMPES SME background.

Responsibilities

• Technical coordination, architectural design, interface integration, and deployment across the SMPES network.
• Lead OT integration with secure convergence of networks, hardware, cloud, and applications.
• Assess emerging technologies (containers, AI/ML, DevSecOps) for SMPES readiness and scalability.
• Drive MBSE and Digital Engineering practices to replace legacy documentation.
• Translate planning requirements into actionable engineering tasks for USSTRATCOM/J5.

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace or Electrical Engineering)

Job description

Software Engineer III - SMPES SME

Location: US-NE-Offutt AFB

ID: 2026-2133

Category: Information Technology

Position Type: Regular Full-Time

Remote: No

Overview

Apogee has an exciting new opportunity for a Senior Principal Systems Engineer-Strategic Mission Planning & Execution System SME to support mission-critical software modernization, development, and deployment efforts for the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)/J56

As a Senior Principal Systems Engineer and Subject Matter Expert (SME), you will serve as the chief technical advisor and architect for the Strategic Mission Planning & Execution System (SMPES) portfolio. In this highly critical role, you will lead the technical coordination, design, integration, and implementation of multi-domain command and control (C2) capabilities. You will operate at the intersection of strategic intent and technical execution, serving as a vital liaison to USSTRATCOM and J5 Plans and Policy to ensure nuclear and conventional integration planning systems.

This is a full-time position located on-site at Offutt, Nebraska.

Responsibilities

• Technical Coordination & Design Implementation: Manage the end-to-end technical coordination, architectural design, interface integration, and deployment implementation of complex enterprise software and hardware nodes across the SMPES network.
• Operational Technology (OT) Integration: Lead the secure integration and convergence of Operational Technology (OT), tactical communications networks, and mission-critical hardware with next-generation cloud and application layers.
• Technology Assessment & Modernization: Continuously review, evaluate, and assess emerging technologies (such as containerized microservices, AI/ML analytics, and DevSecOps pipelines) to determine their applicability, scaling capacity, and security readiness for the SMPES ecosystem.
• Digital Engineering Integration: Drive the adoption and execution of advanced Digital Engineering practices, leveraging interconnected data models, automated workflows, and robust Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to replace legacy documentation frameworks.
• Strategic Command & J5 Operational Liaison: Serve as the definitive USSTRATCOM and J5 Operations SME. Translate Joint Staff Level I-IV planning requirements, deliberate/adaptive target planning needs, and crisis action response paths into actionable engineering tasks.
• Milestone Review Leadership: Author definitive technical baselines and critical government program milestones with Department of War officials.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience:

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen
Clearance: Must possess an active U.S. Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance with explicit eligibility for Special Access Programs (SAP) and Nuclear Command and Control (NC2)

Certifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace/Electrical Engineering)
Years of Experience: 8+ years of advanced systems engineering experience to include:

• Experience as an SMPES SME with deep, hands-on knowledge of its core integrated components, such as the Integrated Strategic Planning & Analysis Network (ISPAN), Nuclear Planning & Execution System (NPES), and Global Adaptive Planning Collaborative Information Environment (GAP CIE).
• Extensive background supporting USSTRATCOM mission sets, including strategic deterrence operations, conventional integration, and working alongside J5 operational planners to implement national defense strategies.
• Demonstrated proficiency utilizing modern digital engineering architectures, configuration-as-code principles, and requirements tracking platforms (e.g., DOORS, Cameo Systems Modeler, or Confluence).

Additional Information
Location: Offutt AFB, NE
On-site/Hybrid/Remote: On-Site
Travel: 10%