Sr. Systems Engineer (TS/SCI) - 174441

Piper Companies; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k

Paid time off

11 federal holidays

Sick leave

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions seeks a Sr. Systems Engineer (MBSE) to support a USAF program in San Diego, CA.

You will maintain system architecture models using MBSE tools and collaborate with cross‑functional teams across software, hardware, and test engineering to ensure an integrated design. Responsibilities include applying SE principles across the lifecycle, managing system requirements with traceability, performing trade studies and risk analyses, defining interfaces, and delivering technical

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of systems engineering experience for weapon systems.
• Strong MBSE experience and tool proficiency.
• Hands-on with Cameo Systems Architect and Sparx EA.
• Experience with DOORS or JAMA for requirements management.
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

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 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.

Skills

MBSE

SysML

UPDM

DoDAF

Cameo

Sparx

DOORS

JAMA

Traceability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Cameo Systems Architect

Sparx Enterprise Architect

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.

Application Period: Opens on 09/14/2026 and will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.