Systems Engineer SME-J56

Apogee; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Apogee is seeking a Systems Engineer SME to support software modernization, development, and deployment for Air Force NC3 and USSTRATCOM/J56. The role emphasizes mission planning, systems engineering, Agile/DevOps, and CI/CD practices to enhance survivability, interoperability, and reliability of strategic weapon systems.

You will collaborate with DoD partners on planning documents, test strategies, and rapid technology fielding, on-site at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, with up to 10% travel and TS/SCI

Qualifications

• Citizenship: Must be a US citizen.
• Clearance: Must possess and maintain a TS w/SCI eligibility.
• Education: Bachelor's degree.
• Years of Experience: Minimum 12 years relevant experience to include 5 years supporting the DoD.

Responsibilities

• Lead business systems analysis to support the integration of conventional and nuclear mission capabilities under the J56 portfolio
• Coordinate requirements gathering with stakeholders across conventional and nuclear operations to ensure alignment of strategic objectives
• Develop detailed process flows and data exchange mappings that bridge legacy nuclear systems with modern conventional platforms
• Partner with engineering and security teams to ensure all integrated solutions meet stringent nuclear surety, safety, and compliance standards
• Facilitate cross‑domain working groups to resolve integration challenges and ensure interoperability between conventional and nuclear assets
• Oversee end‑to‑end integration testing, including scenario simulations that validate system performance under both mission sets
• Provide leadership with impact analyses, risk assessments, and mitigation recommendations to ensure seamless dual‑domain readiness

Skills

Systems engineering

DoD experience

Agile/DevOps

Nuclear surety

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Overview

Apogee has an exciting new opportunity for a Systems Engineer SME to support mission-critical software modernization, development, and deployment efforts for the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)/J56. This role involves advancing mission planning and execution capabilities for strategic deterrence through systems engineering, Agile/DevOps practices, and continuous integration/delivery methodologies. Contractors will be engaged in evaluating and enhancing the survivability, interoperability, and reliability of strategic weapon systems while contributing to planning documents, test and evaluation strategies, and rapid technology fielding efforts. This is a unique opportunity to work on mission-critical NC3 software and systems that shape national defense strategies, collaborating with diverse DoD and government partners to drive innovation and operational excellence in support of the strategic enterprise. This is a full‑time position located on‑site at Offutt, Nebraska.

Responsibilities

• Lead business systems analysis to support the integration of conventional and nuclear mission capabilities under the J56 portfolio
• Coordinate requirements gathering with stakeholders across conventional and nuclear operations to ensure alignment of strategic objectives
• Develop detailed process flows and data exchange mappings that bridge legacy nuclear systems with modern conventional platforms
• Partner with engineering and security teams to ensure all integrated solutions meet stringent nuclear surety, safety, and compliance standards
• Facilitate cross‑domain working groups to resolve integration challenges and ensure interoperability between conventional and nuclear assets
• Oversee end‑to‑end integration testing, including scenario simulations that validate system performance under both mission sets
• Provide leadership with impact analyses, risk assessments, and mitigation recommendations to ensure seamless dual‑domain readiness

Qualifications

Minimum Experience:

• Citizenship: Must be a US citizen
• Clearance: Must possess and maintain a TS w/SCI eligibility
• Education: Bachelor's degree
• Years of Experience: Minimum 12 years relevant experience to include:
• Minimum of 5 years supporting the DoD

Additional Information

• Location: Offutt AFB, Nebraska
• On‑site: Duties for this position are performed on‑site, full‑time
• Travel: Travel up to 10%