Systems Engineer

Core4ce; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical, dental, vision

Training & certifications

Tuition assistance

Parental leave

Paid time off

Internal innovation program

Job summary

Core4ce is seeking a Systems Engineer to plan, integrate, and validate complex systems across their lifecycle. You will translate customer needs into viable hardware/software solutions and lead analysis, design, and verification activities.

This role emphasizes end-to-end lifecycle knowledge, strong communication skills, and the ability to work across hardware and software domains, including AI-related initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience in technical planning, system integration, verification and validation.
• Experience analyzing system performance, cost, risk, and supportability.
• Understanding of the full systems engineering lifecycle from concept through disposal.
• Ability to translate customer requirements into hardware/software specs.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive technical planning and analysis to support total system development.
• Lead or support system integration across hardware and software components.
• Conduct verification and validation activities to confirm performance and requirements.
• Perform cost, schedule, risk, and supportability analyses for design decisions.
• Convert customer and product requirements into practical, technically sound solutions.
• Create interface definitions to support interoperability across subsystems.
• Execute trade studies and evaluations to optimize system performance.
• Support modeling and simulations to evaluate design alternatives.

Skills

Systems engineering

Requirements analysis

HW/SW integration

V&V

Lifecycle planning

Communication

AI lifecycle

AI governance

Roadmapping AI

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's degree in CS/SE/related

BA/BS with 15+ years experience

MA/MS with 13+ years experience

Bachelor’s in CS or related field

Job description

We are seeking a skilled Systems Engineer to support the technical planning, integration, and validation of complex systems across their entire lifecycle. The ideal candidate will have experience conducting rigorous systems engineering analyses—from initial concept development through design, fabrication, testing, installation, operation, maintenance, and eventual disposal. This role requires a strong understanding of hardware and software integration, requirements analysis, and the ability to translate customer needs into viable, cost-effective system solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Perform comprehensive technical planning and analysis to support total system development.
• Conduct systems engineering activities at all lifecycle stages, including concept development, design, fabrication, testing, deployment, operations, maintenance, and end-of-life disposal.
• Lead or support system integration efforts to ensure seamless functionality across hardware and software components.
• Conduct verification and validation activities to confirm system performance, requirements compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Perform cost, schedule, risk, and supportability analyses to inform system design and program decisions.
• Convert customer and product requirements into practical, technically sound system solutions that balance performance, cost, and schedule constraints.
• Perform functional analysis, timeline analysis, and requirements allocation to ensure clear definition and traceability of system requirements.
• Develop interface definitions and specifications to support system interoperability across components and subsystems.
• Execute detailed trade studies and technical evaluations to inform design decisions and optimize system performance.
• Support modeling, simulation, and analytical assessments as needed to evaluate design alternatives and system-level impacts.

*This position is designed to be flexible, with responsibilities evolving to meet business needs and enable individual growth.

Requirements:

• Experience in performing technical planning, system integration, verification, and validation activities.
• TS/SCI (will need to obtain a CI Poly)
• Experience analyzing system performance, cost, risk, supportability, and operational effectiveness.
• Understanding of the full systems engineering lifecycle from concept through disposal.
• Experience conducting functional analysis, requirements allocation, timeline analysis, and interface definition.
• Ability to translate customer requirements into detailed hardware and software specifications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present technical information clearly and effectively.
• Degree in Computer Sciences, Systems Engineering, Systems Analysis, or related disciplines.
• MA/MS degree with 13+ years of relevant experience, OR BA/BS degree with 15+ years of relevant experience in a discipline aligned with the position’s responsibilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
• Ability to create comprehensive system diagrams that consolidate processes into a clear end-to-end view
• Experience with the AI development lifecycle, including defining the who, what, where, when, how, and extent of AI use
• Experience developing strategic roadmaps for AI initiatives
• Ability to document processes thoroughly and map interdependencies across systems and workflows
• Experience in Counter-AI concepts and techniques
• Experience with AI risk management and mitigation practices
• Strong customer communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to stakeholders
• Understanding of the responsible and ethical use and development of AI
• Experience with AI accreditation, governance, and compliance considerations

Why Work for Us?

Core4ce is a team of innovators, self-starters, and critical thinkers—driven by a shared mission to strengthen national security and advance warfighting outcomes.

We offer:

• 401(k) with 100% company match on the first 6% deferred, with immediate vesting
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage—employee portion paid 100% by Core4ce
• Unlimited access to training and certifications, with no pre-set cap on eligible professional development
• Tuition assistance for job-related degrees and courses
• Paid parental leave, PTO that grows with tenure, and generous holiday schedules
• Got a big idea? At Core4ce, The Forge gives every employee the chance to propose bold innovations and help bring them to life with internal backing.

Join us to build a career that matters—supported by a company that invests in you.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, veteran status, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status.