Software Engineer III - SMPES SME

Apogee; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Apogee seeks a Senior Principal Systems Engineer – SMPES SME to lead architectural design, technical coordination, and integration for the Strategic Mission Planning & Execution System portfolio, supporting USSTRATCOM/J5 planning and NC2 missions. This on-site role anchors cross-domain C2 capabilities at Offutt AFB, NE.

You will drive MBSE, implement modern digital engineering practices, and collaborate with government and military stakeholders to translate planning requirements into actionable

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with SAP eligibility and NC2.
• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering or related STEM field.
• 8+ years of advanced systems engineering experience, SMPES SME preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end technical coordination and architecture for the SMPES network.
• Integrate OT, tactical networks, and cloud layers for mission systems.
• Assess emerging tech (containers, AI/ML, DevSecOps) for SMPES scalability and security.
• Drive MBSE and digital engineering to replace legacy documentation.
• Collaborate with USSTRATCOM/J5 planners as a SME for planning requirements.
• Prepare milestones and baselines with government program milestones.

Skills

Systems engineering

SMPES knowledge

USSTRATCOM liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

DOORS

Cameo Systems Modeler

Confluence

Job description

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

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).

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%.