Systems Engineer - Senior/SME

Systems Planning & Analysis; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is seeking a Senior/SME Systems Engineer for the Space and Intelligence Division, supporting USSF, SSC, NASA, and other space programs from El Segundo.

You will lead modeling, simulations, and MBSE activities to advance system architectures and performance analyses. Ideal candidates have 10+ years of systems engineering experience, strong communication skills, and proficiency with MATLAB, STK, Python, and SysML tools; active clearance is required for

Qualifications

• US Citizenship with active Secret or TS/SCI at time of application
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field
• 10+ years of systems engineering experience
• Proficiency with modeling and simulation environments (e.g., MATLAB, STK, Python, SysML tools)
• Demonstrated ability to develop requirements, conduct analyses, and support system integration
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across engineering teams
• Ability to report to designated work location in El Segundo, up to full time, based on the needs of the customer
• About the Desired: INCOSE ASEP, CSEP, or equivalent engineering certifications
• Experience with digital engineering, MBSE, or enterprise modeling tools
• Experience in defense, space, or mission system environments
• Familiarity with acquisition engineering documentation and technical reviews
• Experience leading technical workstreams or trade studies

Responsibilities

• Creating and executing modeling, simulation, and analysis activities to evaluate system performance
• Developing system and subsystem requirements, interfaces, and technical specifications
• Conducting engineering trade studies to inform design decisions
• Supporting system architecture development and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) products
• Preparing detailed technical documentation, briefings, and analysis results
• Leading subsystem-level integration and coordinating across technical disciplines
• Supporting test planning, V&V, and performance evaluation using analytical and simulation tools
• Identifying technical risks, gaps, and dependencies in system designs
• Improving and maintaining engineering models, baselines, and processes
• Mentoring junior engineers on modeling and analysis tools

Skills

Systems engineering

Modeling & simulation

Requirements development

Technical communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

MATLAB

STK

Python

SysML tools

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,we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!

The Space Systems Group (SSG), part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, provides timely and objective assessments and recommendations integrating technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis. We focus on our key clients in the Space community including the US Space Force’s Space Systems Command (USSF/SSC), one of the three designated Field Commands under USSF. We work tirelessly to provide integrated solutions based on information and communications throughout the chain of command. We provide clear and consistent analysis and recommendations which are aligned to strategic and leadership goals while balancing the ability to execute on time and on budget within the technical communities. Come join an organization responsible for being a key enabler of Spacepower!

SPA has a near-term need for a Systems Engineer - Senior/SME.

Responsibilities

The Journeyman Systems Engineer leads technical tasks within a project or subsystem and contributes independently to system modeling, analysis, design, and integration. Responsibilities include developing and running simulations, performing subsystem-level technical analyses, defining requirements, and supporting cross-functional engineering teams. The role requires working autonomously on assigned engineering tasks while ensuring alignment with system architecture and program objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Creating and executing modeling, simulation, and analysis activities to evaluate system performance.
• Developing system and subsystem requirements, interfaces, and technical specifications.
• Conducting engineering trade studies to inform design decisions.
• Supporting system architecture development and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) products.
• Preparing detailed technical documentation, briefings, and analysis results.
• Leading subsystem-level integration and coordinating across technical disciplines.
• Supporting test planning, V&V, and performance evaluation using analytical and simulation tools.
• Identifying technical risks, gaps, and dependencies in system designs.
• Improving and maintaining engineering models, baselines, and processes.
• Mentoring junior engineers on modeling and analysis tools.

Qualifications

About the Must Haves

• US Citizenship with active Secret or TS/SCI (dependent on program) at time of application
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field
• 10+ years of systems engineering experience
• Proficiency with modeling and simulation environments (e.g., MATLAB, STK, Python, SysML tools)
• Demonstrated ability to develop requirements, conduct analyses, and support system integration
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across engineering teams
• Ability to report to designated work location in El Segundo, up to full time, based on the needs of the customer

About the Desired

• INCOSE ASEP, CSEP, or equivalent engineering certifications
• Experience with digital engineering, MBSE, or enterprise modeling tools
• Experience in defense, space, or mission system environments
• Familiarity with acquisition engineering documentation and technical reviews
• Experience leading technical workstreams or trade studies

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. California, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $180,000.00/Yr. - USD $225,000.00/Yr.