Systems Engineer, Plans & Programming.

Space Systems Command; Kirtland (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Systems Command at Kirtland AFB in New Mexico is seeking a Systems Engineer (NH-0801-03, GS 12/13 equivalent) to lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts translating warfighter requirements into viable technical solutions.

The ideal candidate holds an ABET-accredited engineering degree, TS clearance, and strong program management and cross‑functional collaboration skills to drive complex projects within schedule and budget constraints.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• Top Secret clearance (TS) with eligibility for SCI or similar access.
• Experience in program management, strategic planning, and resourcing within DoD/space contexts.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary systems engineering processes to translate warfighter requirements into viable technical solutions.
• Plan and execute complex technical assignments and evaluate mission capabilities.
• Mentor junior personnel and collaborate across stakeholders and leadership.

Skills

Systems engineering

Stakeholder communication

Requirements analysis

Mentorship

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Job description

Duties

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) System Delta 89 (SYD 89) at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico is searching for a Systems Engineer (NH-0801-03, GS 12/13 equivalent).

Description

If you want to solve complex challenges, influence technical direction, and advance the future of Space Force innovation, this Systems Engineer position offers a high-impact opportunity within the U.S. Space Force S9 Concepts and Technology Center. Serving as a trusted technical advisor, the selected professional will independently lead multidisciplinary systems engineering processes to translate warfighter requirements into viable technical solutions as the organization transitions toward an advanced Science and Technology (S&T) mission. In this role, the employee will plan and execute complex technical assignments, evaluate cutting-edge mission capabilities, and provide mentorship to junior personnel while collaborating across diverse stakeholders, mission partners, and requirements owners. Additionally, the role bridges technical development with the Plans & Programming (S5/8) section, ensuring that technical baselines, support agreements, and strategic resource decisions remain synchronized with long-term operational and national defense objectives.

The ideal candidate possesses a professional bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution, broad expertise in systems engineering and test/evaluation principles, and proven experience safeguarding sensitive information (current Top Secret clearance and space-related engineering background preferred). They bring a strong foundation in program management, strategic planning, and resourcing processes to successfully drive complex technical projects and studies within defined schedule and fiscal constraints. A skilled communicator and consensus builder, this engineer demonstrates exceptional customer service, sound analytical judgment, and the ability to translate mission requirements into innovative technical solutions while fostering trusted relationships across diverse stakeholders and senior leadership.

Key Skills And Abilities

• Professional knowledge of general engineering policies, theories, principles and concepts, and familiarity with other engineering disciplines to carry out conventional engineering assignments.
• Ability to analyze, interpret and apply general engineering rules and procedures in a variety of situations and recommend effective solutions to senior engineers.
• Skill in working with customers to assess needs, provide assistance, resolve problems, and satisfy expectations.
• Ability to persuade others to accept recommendations, work toward an agreement, and negotiate mutually acceptable solutions.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, and determine resource requirements; determine goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinate with other organizations; monitor progress, and evaluate outcomes.
• Ability to identify problems and use sound judgment and decisions to generate and evaluate alternatives and make recommendations.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Position is designated special-sensitive and requires a TOP SECRET (TS) security clearance with eligibility for access to SCI, other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in TS SAP to perform the duties of the position.
• A non-disclosure agreement must be signed.
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment, and participation in random drug testing.
• Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
• May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.
• Employee must within 30-days of assuming this position and annually thereafter, file an OGE-450, “Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.” Employee is required to attend annual ethics and procurement integrity training.
• PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/.
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• This position is part of the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).
• Position requires a professional engineering degree at the bachelor's level from an ABET accredited institution.
• May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.
• Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 15 days per year.
• Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.
• Incentive is not authorized.
• This position will close after 5 business days or 75 applications, whichever comes first.

Qualifications

The 0801 series has an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed

Additional information

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants) Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information,

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.