Systems Engineer Level 5 (AI Systems & Trust Frameworks)

WOOD Federal Solutions; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Professional Development

Work-Life Support

Wellness Resources

Job summary

WOOD Federal Solutions is seeking a Systems Engineer Level 5 to support AI-enabled mission systems at Fort Meade, MD. You will apply systems engineering across the lifecycle, lead stakeholder discussions, and drive standards for human-in-the-loop AI.

This role requires a TS/SCI clearance with polygraph and a strong track record in complex government programs, with leadership of cross-functional teams and rigorous technical communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline is required.
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of systems engineering experience on complex programs.
• Experience leading SE efforts across lifecycle phases.
• Ability to lead technical teams and coordinate across organizations.
• Ability to independently decide engineering approaches.
• Experience developing or evaluating engineering standards or governance.

Responsibilities

• Apply systems engineering principles across the system lifecycle from concept through deployment.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders to refine requirements and mission needs.
• Coordinate across teams to ensure requirements and operational needs are met.
• Lead planning, tracking, and management of activities, risks, and decisions.
• Lead AI systems standards development for human-in-the-loop and integration.

Skills

Systems engineering leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Requirements management

Technical communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk assessment

Executive-level briefings

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline

Master's degree or PhD in a related technical discipline

Job description

Overview

woodcons.com

Location: Fort Meade, Maryland, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Shift: Day

Telework: None

Salary Range: ** $170,000 TO $200,000 per year

• Starting salary is based on minimum education and years of experience and increases based on education and/or experience.

WOOD Federal Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Systems Engineer Level 5 to support mission-critical initiatives focused on the development, integration, evaluation, and operationalization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities within a complex government environment. The successful candidate will partner with government leadership, mission stakeholders, and cross-functional technical teams to develop user-centric standards, frameworks, and engineering solutions that support the effective implementation of human-in-the-loop and human-on-the-loop AI systems. This role requires strong systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, requirements management, and technical communication skills, along with the ability to operate effectively in rapidly evolving and ambiguous environments. This position offers the opportunity to help shape how AI technologies are integrated into mission operations while ensuring solutions remain trustworthy, operationally relevant, and aligned with user needs.

Security Clearance Requirements

This position requires all candidates to be U.S. Citizens and possess an active TS/SCI Security Clearance with a Polygraph.

Responsibilities

Systems Engineering & Requirements Management

• Apply systems engineering principles throughout the system lifecycle, including concept development, requirements analysis, architecture development, integration, verification, validation, deployment, and operational support.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders and technical teams to develop and refine stakeholder requirements and mission needs.
• Coordinate across teams and organizations to ensure solutions satisfy technical and operational requirements.
• Lead planning, tracking, and management of engineering activities, risks, dependencies, and technical decisions.

AI Systems Standards & Integration

• Lead development of user-centric standards for human-in-the-loop and human-on-the-loop AI systems.
• Drive cross-product integration activities to ensure consistency and interoperability across mission capabilities.
• Evaluate and recommend AI-related engineering standards, processes, and technical approaches.
• Lead technical implementation activities associated with AI-enabled mission systems.

Test & Evaluation Framework Development

• Lead development, testing, and refinement of frameworks used to evaluate AI system performance, trustworthiness, and operational effectiveness.
• Design and oversee user testing activities and evaluation methodologies.
• Approve and deliver engineering artifacts, reports, assessments, and technical recommendations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Technical Leadership

• Brief stakeholders and leadership on technical approaches, risks, findings, and project status.
• Facilitate coordination among stakeholders, engineering teams, and leadership.
• Lead technical working groups and collaborative engineering activities.
• Supervise or coordinate the work of other engineers, analysts, and technical contributors supporting project objectives.

Analysis & Problem Solving

• Conduct complex analyses of alternatives and recommend engineering solutions.
• Independently assess technical risks and establish mitigation strategies.
• Develop innovative approaches to emerging engineering challenges.
• Operate effectively in uncertain and rapidly changing environments while maintaining technical rigor.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of systems engineering experience supporting complex technical programs, consistent with SE Level V requirements.
• Demonstrated experience leading systems engineering efforts across multiple lifecycle phases, including requirements development, architecture design, integration, verification, validation, and operational deployment.
• Experience leading technical teams and coordinating engineering activities across multiple stakeholders and organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to independently make engineering decisions and recommend technical approaches.
• Experience developing or evaluating engineering standards, frameworks, methodologies, or governance approaches.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefings and technical presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead efforts in dynamic, uncertain, and rapidly evolving environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), autonomous systems, or advanced analytics initiatives.
• Experience developing AI trustworthiness, testing, evaluation, or governance frameworks.
• Experience leading cross-organizational integration initiatives.
• Experience supporting enterprise-level engineering, standards, or architecture activities.
• Master's degree or PhD in a related technical discipline.
• Experience serving as a technical lead or engineering lead on complex mission programs.
• Experience supporting emerging technology adoption within mission environments.

About WOOD

WOOD Federal Solutions is a mission-focused federal contractor supporting complex national security and government programs. We bring experienced professionals, disciplined execution, and a commitment to engineering trust for mission success. Our teams work in demanding technical environments where expertise, reliability, collaboration, and accountability matter. At WOOD, employees have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful customer missions while continuing to grow professionally within a company that values strong performance, continuous learning, and respect for the people doing the work.

Fringe Benefits

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match.
• Paid Time Off: Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continued professional growth.
• Work-Life Support: Workplace flexibility where permitted by position, customer, security, and mission requirements.
• Wellness Resources: Employee assistance and wellness programs, including available fitness-related benefits and discounts.

Why Join WOOD?

• Meaningful Mission: Contribute your expertise to programs supporting important federal and national security missions.
• Professional Growth: Build your capabilities through challenging assignments, training, certifications, and opportunities for continued development.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside experienced professionals in teams that value technical excellence, accountability, and effective collaboration.
• Competitive Compensation: Receive competitive compensation and a comprehensive employee benefits package.
• Opportunity to Make an Impact: Join an organization where strong performers can contribute ideas, improve how work gets done, and have a visible impact on customer and company success.

WOOD Federal Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.