Sr. Systems Engineer (TS/SCI)

Zachary Piper Solutions; Northern, San Diego (KY, CA); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions seeks a Sr. Systems Engineer (MBSE) to support a USAF program in San Diego, CA. You will develop and maintain system architecture models using MBSE tools, ensuring traceability of requirements and interoperability across subsystems.

Responsibilities include conducting trade studies, leading requirements management with DOORS/JAMA, and collaborating with software, hardware and test teams to deliver on schedule and within budget. A TS/SCI clearance is preferred.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of systems engineering and architecture experience for weapon systems.
• Strong MBSE experience using system-modeling tools.
• Hands-on with Cameo and/or Sparx Enterprise Architect.
• Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS or Jama.
• Ability to work across multidisciplinary teams and complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Apply systems engineering across the full lifecycle from concept to disposal.
• Develop and maintain MBSE-based system architecture models.
• Lead requirements definition, decomposition, and traceability to program objectives.
• Conduct trade studies, alternatives analyses, and risk assessments.
• Define and manage system interfaces for interoperability.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and test engineers for integrated design.
• Support integration, verification, and validation activities.
• Prepare technical docs, system models, and briefings for stakeholders.
• Work with program management to meet schedules and budgets.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements in systems engineering.

Skills

MBSE

Systems engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Cameo Systems Architect

Sparx Enterprise Architect

DOORS/JAMA

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Sr. Systems Engineer (MBSE) to join our USAF customer program in San Diego, California. The Sr. Systems Engineer will be supporting weapon system capability development efforts, helping maintain system architecture models in Cameo.

Work Environment:

• On‑site role in San Diego, CA

Responsibilities:

• Apply systems engineering principles and best practices across the full lifecycle of a technical program, from concept to disposal.
• Develop, manage, and maintain system architecture models using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies (e.g., SysML, UPDM, DoDAF).
• Lead the definition, decomposition, and management of system requirements, ensuring traceability and alignment with program objectives and stakeholder needs.
• Conduct trade studies, analyses of alternatives, and risk assessments to inform key technical decisions and mitigate program risks.
• Define and manage system interfaces, ensuring interoperability and integration between system components.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including software, hardware, and test engineers, to ensure a cohesive and integrated system design.
• Support system integration, verification, and validation activities to ensure the system meets all requirements and is fit for purpose.
• Prepare and present technical documentation, system models, and briefings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Work with program management to ensure technical solutions are developed on schedule and within budget.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and contribute to the continuous enhancement of the systems engineering discipline within the program.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in systems engineering and architecture for weapon systems.
• Strong experience with Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
• Hands‑on experience with Cameo Systems Architect and/or Sparx Enterprise Architect.
• Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS or JAMA.
• Experience supporting requirements development, verification, compliance, and architectural trade studies.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and complex organizational environments.

Clearance Requirement:

• Must possess an in‑scope T5 background investigation adjudicated for SCI eligibility and enrolled in Continuous Evaluation (if applicable).
• Must be willing to be nominated for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Programs (SAP).
• Must be willing to consent to a polygraph examination.

Compensation:

• Pay Band: $165,000 - $195,000 (based on years of relevant experience)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid time off, with 11 federal holidays, and sick leave.