Systems Engineer, SME

Socket.dev; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 235,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k)

Paid PTO

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Paid federal holidays

Military differential

Job summary

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC seeks an experienced Systems Engineer SME to support US Space Force programs, providing senior-level systems engineering across acquisition, integration and sustainment.

The role requires TS clearance with SCI eligibility, 15+ years DoD experience, and hands-on work with RDT&E, CONOPS, ICDs, and SE processes to enable mission readiness and system delivery. On-site in the DC area with up to 25% travel; competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• 15+ years of DoD experience in systems engineering, RDT&E, or related programs.
• Experience delivering space system capabilities to SPOs/PMOs.
• Extensive experience with RDT&E and test/training materiel systems.
• Experience with space test and training materiel systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead feasibility studies and concept exploration for advanced system solutions.
• Perform DRM engineering and mission-level systems analysis.
• Develop and refine CONOPS to support mission and system requirements.
• Lead development and management of system requirements, ICDs, verification plans.
• Perform change management and technical analysis to support objectives.
• Align PPBE activities with technical efforts across SFPAE-I and SYD 81.
• Provide senior SE expertise throughout RDT&E, integration, fielding, and sustainment.

Skills

DoD Top Secret clearance

15+ years DoD experience

SPO/PMO delivery

RDT&E & test materiel

Space systems know-how

Cameo Systems Modeler

SysML modeling

JCIDS/DoDAF knowledge

Education

Master of Science in Systems Engineering

MS in related engineering field

STEM degree + substantial experience

Tools

Cameo Systems Modeler

Job description

Overview

Job Summary

Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the United States Space Force (USSF) and its mission-critical space operations.

In this role, you will support the Space Force Program Acquisition Executive for Infrastructure (SFPAE-I) and Space Systems Command’s System Delta 81, providing senior-level systems engineering expertise to advance the development, acquisition, integration, and sustainment of critical capabilities supporting USSF readiness and operational effectiveness.

The ideal candidate is a highly experienced, mission-focused professional who combines deep systems engineering expertise, strategic insight, and strong communication skills to solve complex technical challenges and support successful program execution in a fast-paced DoD environment.

Key Responsibilities

The Systems Engineer SME will:

• Lead and support feasibility studies and concept exploration to evaluate advanced system and capability solutions
• Perform Design Reference Mission (DRM) engineering and mission-level systems analysis
• Develop and refine Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) to support mission, operational, and system requirements
• Lead the development and management of system requirements, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), verification plans, system validation activities, and operational support requirements
• Perform change management, impact assessments, and technical analysis to support system and program objectives
• Assess, align, and integrate Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) activities with technical efforts across SFPAE-I and System Delta 81 (SYD 81)
• Provide senior-level systems engineering expertise throughout Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), integration, fielding, and sustainment
• Provide technical guidance and recommendations to government, engineering, acquisition, and program leadership to support successful system and capability delivery

Requirements

Skills and Experience

The Systems Engineer SME must have:

• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
• 15+ years of relevant Department of Defense (DoD) experience supporting systems engineering, RDT&E, acquisition, or related technical programs
• Experience supporting System Program Offices (SPOs), Program Management Offices (PMOs), or system and capability delivery to SPOs/PMOs
• Extensive experience with Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) and test and training materiel systems
• Demonstrated experience with the deployment, integration, operation, and sustainment of space test and training materiel systems
• Advanced knowledge and practical application of Systems Engineering (SE) principles and processes supporting system RDT&E, integration, fielding, and lifecycle activities
• Experience with Cameo Systems Modeler and Systems Modeling Language (SysML)
• Working knowledge of the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) and DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) processes and artifacts
• Experience across relevant space technology disciplines, including space system architectures, satellite and ground segment design, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) and radio frequency (RF) sensors, astrodynamics, propulsion, Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC), space data communications, and Space Battle Management and Control
• Ability to work full-time on-site and travel up to 25%, as required

Education and Certifications

The Systems Engineer SME must meet the following:

Required

• Masters of Science (MS) degree(required) in Systems Engineering or a related engineering field (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Software, etc.)
• Degrees in other Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields may be considered with substantial, relevant professional experience
• Degrees in other STEM fields may also be considered with significant, relevant professional experience

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k)
• PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Military Differential
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid federal holidays

Security Clearance

Must be a U.S. Citizen. A high-level Department of Defense active security clearance is/may be required. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to government information.

Physical Requirements

Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods of time and typing and reading from a computer screen. The candidate must have enough mobility, including bending, reaching, and kneeling, to complete daily duties in a prompt and efficient manner, and that may include lifting up to thirty pounds, as necessary.

Company Summary

Headquartered in Hawaii, Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC, is an SBA-Certified NHO-owned 8(a) Small Business specializing in global information technology solutions. We deliver professional services in IT Design & Installation, Cybersecurity Engineering & Support, Application Integration & Development, Software & Hardware Engineering, Network & Systems Management, Information Systems Security, and Business Management Services.

Leveraging over 30 years of providing IT services to the federal & commercial market with projects found around the world, our team has innovative expertise in the development of a wide range of technological solutions. Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.

Our service commitment is simple - "Quality IT Solutions... On Time & On Budget."

Company Employment Statement

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC reserves the right to change or modify job duties and assignments at any time. The above job description is not all encompassing as positions, functions, and qualifications may vary depending on business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, creed, religion, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or Vietnam era, or other eligible veteran status or legally protected characteristics.

The final salary offered within the posted range will be based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, education, and other job-related factors.

Posted Salary Range

USD $235,000.00 - USD $250,000.00 /Yr.