Systems Engineer Manager

SAIC; Newington (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC in Springfield, VA seeks a Senior Systems Engineer to join a fast-paced national security program. You will lead a SETA team, manage cost, schedule, and technical performance across the acquisition lifecycle, and mentor staff while engaging with DoD, IC, and industry partners.

The role requires 14+ years with a Bachelor's or 12+ with a Master's, active TS clearance with SCI eligibility, and the ability to guide strategy and risk management. Target salary range is $160,001–$200,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 14+ years of experience or Master’s with 12+ years.
• 10+ years of technical PM support for DoD/IC acquisitions.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Counterintelligence scope polygraph post-hire.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic analysis to integrate new insights and technologies.
• Lead and mentor a SETA team across acquisition, integration, testing, deployment.
• Communicate technical and programmatic information to executive leadership.
• Monitor cost, schedule, and technical performance; track risks.
• Support capability development with acquisition and risk activities.

Skills

Systems engineering

Technical project management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree + 14+ years experience

Master's degree + 12+ years experience

Job description

Description

SAIC seeks an experienced and talented Senior Systems Engineer in Springfield, VA to join a world-class Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) team supporting a fast-paced and innovative national security program.

As a senior SETA Manager on this program, you will be responsible for providing expert technical guidance and project oversight for a portfolio of advanced maritime capabilities. You will manage the cost, schedule, and technical performance of projects throughout the acquisition lifecycle, working in close partnership with government project officers and interfacing with executive leadership. This role requires exceptional communication skills to build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders across the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community and Industry. You will perform key leadership and mentoring roles for a specialized SETA team spread across three geographic locations, advocating for their needs and aligning team priorities with executive-level objectives.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Drive strategic analysis - conduct technical and strategic assessments to integrate new insights and technologies into current and future capabilities, supporting long-range planning
• Lead and Mentor - guide a high-performing SETA team, providing systems engineering expertise across system acquisition, platform integration, testing, and deployment activities
• Communicate with Impact - Distill complex technical and programmatic information into clear, actionable recommendations for executive leadership. Prepare and manage the submission of key project deliverable, status reports, and briefings
• Oversee Project Performance - Monitor project cost, schedule, and technical performance to ensure successful execution. Track actions and identify risks from project meetings, including formal milestone reviews (e.g., requirements reviews, design reviews, test readiness reviews)
• Support Capability Development - Contribute to the development of new and enhanced concepts by supporting key acquisition, configuration management, and risk management activities

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience OR Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience.
• 10+ years experience providing technical project management support for DOD and/or IC acquisitions
• Active Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility
• Ability to complete a counterintelligence scope polygraph post-hire.

Desired Qualifications:

• Defense Acquisition University (DAU) certification in Systems Engineering or Program Management
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.