Systems Engineer

bowheadcareers-uicalaska; Aberdeen (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowhead seeks a Systems Engineer (SAMD) with specialized Army C5ISR interoperability experience to enable Partner Nation systems to integrate with U.S. C2/SA networks and Joint data environments.

The role involves cross-domain planning, Taiwan liaison, and support for IFATDS integration, with a focus on secret-rel interoperability and warfighter needs. The successful candidate will translate operational threads into technical requirements, engage foreign partners and U.S.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in Army C5ISR or Joint-level network integration.
• Experience integrating fielded systems into Partner Nation data networks and extending into U.S. intelligence and C2 domains.
• Experience with cross-domain interoperability and sensor-to-shooter information flows.
• Experience translating operational threads into technical requirements for interoperability.
• Experience engaging foreign partners and U.S. government stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Interoperability Across Army, Joint, and Cross‑Domain Networks. Address cross‑domain integration challenges and security domains.
• Operational thread development and requirements translation with U.S. personnel and foreign partners.
• Federated network architecture planning for future capability integration across Army and Joint domains.
• Taiwan Joint‑level C2 support across cross‑domain information flows.
• IFATDS integration discussions with Partner Nations.
• ARPs preparation and acquisition documentation for complex, multi‑domain systems.
• Engage directly with Partner Nation personnel and government stakeholders.
• Ensure warfighter-focused, soldier-centered solutions.

Skills

Interoperability

Cross-domain

Requirements translation

Stakeholder engagement

Executive briefing

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s preferred

Tools

IFATDS

Syun An

Domain Union

Joint data networks

Job description

Overview

SYSTEMS ENGINEER (SAMD):

Bowhead seeks a Systems Engineer with specialized experience in Army C5ISR interoperability, joint‑level data networks, and cross‑domain integration to support the CECOM Security Assistance Management Directorate (SAMD). This role focuses on enabling Partner Nation systems, particularly Taiwan, to integrate with indigenous C2/SA networks, Army tactical networks, Joint‑level architectures, and U.S. SECRET REL‑authorized domains to ensure U.S. forces can leverage Partner Nation capabilities in global operations.

Responsibilities

• Interoperability Across Army, Joint, and Cross‑Domain Networks Support Partner Nation integration of Army C5ISR capabilities into indigenous C2/SA networks, other Army tactical networks, and Joint‑level data environments. Address interoperability challenges across multiple security domains, including SECRET REL, to ensure seamless information exchange.
• Operational Thread Development & Requirements Translation Work with U.S. military personnel, government stakeholders, and foreign partners to define operational threads that demonstrate required mission capabilities. Translate these operational needs into technical requirements and detailed specifications necessary for system‑to‑system interoperability.
• Federated Network Architecture Planning Demonstrate understanding of how to federate network architectures, including message translation, data‑format alignment, and planning for future capability integration across Army and Joint domains.
• Taiwan Joint‑Level C2 Support Provide engineering support to Taiwan’s Joint‑level command and control (C2) systems, including cross‑domain considerations for Army “sensor‑to‑shooter” information flows and integration with U.S. and Partner Nation networks.
• IFATDS Integration & Partner Nation Coordination Participate in discussions with industry and Taiwan regarding integration of IFATDS into Syun An and interoperability with other services through Domain Union. Support engineering activities related to IFATDS integration for Partner Nations.
• ARP Development for IFATDS IDIQ Provide engineering support for Acquisition Requirements Package (ARP) preparation for a planned CECOM SAMD‑managed IFATDS IDIQ, ensuring requirements accurately reflect interoperability and cross‑domain needs.
• Foreign Partner Engagement Engage directly with Partner Nation military personnel and government stakeholders to clarify operational needs, refine mission threads, and ensure technical solutions align with real‑world use cases.
• Soldier‑Centered Perspective Apply first‑hand U.S. Army experience to ensure integrated communications solutions meaningfully support the warfighter and reflect operational realities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field. A Master’s level degree is preferred.
• Ten (10+) years of experience in Army C5ISR, tactical communications, or Joint‑level network integration.
• Demonstrated experience integrating Army fielded communications systems into Partner Nation Joint data networks and extending into U.S. intelligence and C2 domains.
• Experience supporting Partner Nation Joint‑level C2 systems, including cross‑domain interoperability and “sensor‑to‑shooter” information flows.
• Experience defining operational threads and translating them into technical requirements for interoperability.
• Experience engaging foreign partners and U.S. government stakeholders to clarify operational needs and technical details.
• Experience with IFATDS integration, Syun An, Domain Union, or similar Joint‑level interoperability efforts highly desired.
• FMS experience preferred.
• Ability to prepare ARPs and related acquisition documentation for complex, multi‑domain systems.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to brief senior leaders and foreign partners.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage complex technical requirements across multiple stakeholders.
• Must be willing to travel, including OCONUS.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
• Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

Target salary is between $140,000-$180,000 commensurate with experience.

Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Bowhead considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must currently hold a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

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