Systems Engineer (SME)

Central Strategies, LLC; West Virginia; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Strategies LLC seeks a Systems Engineer (SME) to lead architecture and solutions engineering for USCG programs. You will guide software delivery from requirements to verification, shaping PACS modernization across edge, enterprise, and core systems.

You will enforce federal security standards (FICAM, FIPS 201, NIST SP 800-series) and model using UAF/DoDAF/SysML in Cameo. This role requires a Public Trust clearance and hybrid work in WV.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent with 10+ years or commensurate experience.
• Experience developing software solution designs and interfaces.
• Proficiency with REST/SOAP APIs, JSON/XML, TLS, and ICAM protocols.
• Mastery of UAF/DoDAF models and SysML in Cameo/MagicDraw.
• Direct experience enforcing Federal/DoD identity and security standards (FICAM, FIPS 201, NIST SP 800-series, PKI).
• Strong verbal and written communication; capable of briefing executives; hold Public Trust clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead SEB activities and translate mission needs into technical solutions.
• Draft ITSRs based on capability/mission needs and requirements.
• Conduct Solution Assessments and SETRs within the CSDP.
• Develop software solution designs and define interface requirements.
• Create integration plans across edge devices, enterprise platforms, and core systems.
• Ensure security standards alignment with FICAM, PKI, and OSDP communications.
• Utilize UAF/DoDAF/ SysML models for enterprise solution modeling.

Skills

REST/SOAP APIs

SysML modeling

UAF/DoDAF modeling

Communications skills

Security policy enforcement

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Cameo Systems Modeler (MagicDraw)

SysML

Job description

Central Strategies LLC is seeking a Systems Engineer (SME) to support mission-critical software architecture and solutions engineering programs for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). This position will serve as a key technical authority, assisting the Solutions Engineering Branch (SEB) within the Architecture and Solutions Engineering (ASE) division at the C5I / Software Yard. The successful candidate will drive the analysis, design, domain architecture, and systems engineering activities for upcoming project intake and mission-critical Physical Access Control Systems (PACS) modernization. This position will be located in Kearneysville, WV and will be a hybrid position.

Key Responsibilities:

As an SME Systems Engineer, you will serve as the primary leader responsible for bringing advanced software engineering rigor and architectural design to the Solutions Engineering Branch (SEB). You will collaborate closely with other divisions of the Software Yard, such as Product Delivery and Capability Development, to transform high-level mission needs into actionable technical solutions. Key responsibilities include:

• Assist the ASE team with comprehensive needs analysis, drafting Initial Technical Solution Reports (ITSR) based on Capability/Mission Need statements and operational/functional requirements.
• Conduct thorough Solution Assessments (SA) and ensure the required amount of engineering rigor is met through Systems Engineering Technical Reviews (SETR) within the Continuous Software Delivery Pathway (CSDP).
• Apply expert engineering principles to consult, guide, and lead full-lifecycle software delivery teams across requirements derivation, technical reviews, and system verification/testing.
• Develop software solution designs, define software interface requirements and data exchange standards, and formulate integration plans across edge hardware, enterprise platforms, and core business systems.
• Enforce rigorous security policies, ensuring all software architectures align with Federal/DoD identity standards (FICAM, FIPS 201, NIST SP 800-series), Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) authentication, and OSDP secure communications.
• Create, review, and align enterprise solution models utilizing Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) grids, Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) viewpoints, and Systems Modeling Language (SysML) within Cameo Systems Modeler (MagicDraw).
• Recommend system optimizations, evaluate emerging software technologies, and deliver integration roadmaps that meet customer and Mission Partner operational needs

Required Qualifications:

• High School with 10+ years (or commensurate experience)
• Proven experience developing software solution designs, defining software interface requirements, and working with REST/SOAP APIs, JSON/XML, TLS, and enterprise ICAM protocols.
• Demonstrated mastery utilizing Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) / DoDAF models and Systems Modeling Language (SysML) within Cameo Systems Modeler (MagicDraw).
• Direct experience enforcing Federal/DoD identity and security standards, including FICAM, FIPS 201, NIST SP 800-series, PKI, and OSDP secure communications.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with experience drafting initial technical solution reports and presenting architectural briefings to executive stakeholders.
• Clearance Required: Public Trust

Desired Qualifications:

• Direct experience supporting U.S. Coast Guard missions, specifically within the C5I Software Yard, ASE division, or related technical directorates.
• Deep technical familiarity with Physical Access Control Systems (PACS) or enterprise-level identity, credential, and access management infrastructure.
• Experience working within a Continuous Software Delivery Pathway (CSDP) or modern Agile/DevSecOps software delivery pipelines.
• Advanced certifications in Enterprise Architecture (e.g., DoDAF/UAF certified) or Systems Engineering (e.g., INCOSE CSEP/ASEP) are a strong plus.
• Familiarity with cross-functional software delivery paradigms spanning Product Delivery and Capability Development divisions.