Systems Engineer

Systems Planning & Analysis; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning & Analysis in Albuquerque is seeking a skilled expert in modeling and simulation. The successful candidate will develop and maintain models for laser and optical systems and analyze performance under realistic conditions.

The ideal candidate will have 5–10+ years of experience and must hold a US citizenship with an active TS clearance at the time of application. This full-time position offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies in national defense.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of experience in modeling and simulation of laser, microwave, or optical systems.
• US citizenship with active TS clearance at time of application.
• Ability to report to Albuquerque full time based on customer needs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain high-fidelity models of laser and optical components.
• Perform system-level simulations under realistic operating conditions.
• Analyze and validate models against experimental data.

Skills

Modeling and simulation of laser systems

Modeling and simulation of microwave/RF systems

Proficiency with scientific computing tools

Strong analytical problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

NumPy/SciPy

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high‑impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, SPA is known for continuous innovation for government customers in the US and abroad. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. The division performs enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. It develops approaches and concepts to meet emerging high‑priority needs, assesses cutting‑edge technologies, and supports capabilities for National Defense.

The Strategic Technology Analysis Group, part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, offers capabilities to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support of military services, Secretary of Defense offices, and theater warfighters. Its portfolio includes work for the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration, Joint Warfare Analysis Center, Space Security and Defense Program, National Space Defense Center, Space Warfighting Analysis Center, Strategic Capabilities Office, US Space Command, and US Space Force.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain high‑fidelity models of laser, microwave, and/or optical components and systems, including propagation, nonlinear effects, and noise sources.
• Perform system‑level simulations to predict performance, sensitivity, and robustness under realistic operating conditions.
• Analyze experimental and test data to calibrate, validate, and refine models.
• Translate complex modeling results into actionable recommendations for multidisciplinary teams.
• Develop simulation workflows, tools, and automation to support rapid design trades and what‑if studies.
• Document modeling assumptions, methods, and results clearly for internal stakeholders and customers.
• Stay current on state‑of‑the‑art modeling techniques and relevant commercial/academic tools.

Qualifications

Must Haves

• US citizenship with active TS clearance at time of application.
• 5–10+ years of experience in modeling and simulation of at least one of the following:
  • Laser systems (e.g., solid‑state, fiber, semiconductor, high‑power, or pulsed lasers)
  • Microwave/RF systems (e.g., radar, communication links, phased arrays, RF front ends)
  • Radio communication systems
  • Optical systems (e.g., imaging systems, fiber optics, free‑space optics, photonic devices)
• Proficiency with scientific computing tools, such as NumPy/SciPy, or similar.
• Demonstrated ability to build, debug, and validate models against analytical theory and experimental data.
• Ability to report to the designated work location in Albuquerque, up to full time, based on the needs of the customer.

Desired

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to break down complex physical systems into tractable models.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and non‑technical audiences.