Systems Engineer (TS/SCI)

Zachary Piper Solutions; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401k

PTO

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions in San Diego, CA seeks a Systems Engineer to support a USAF program focused on an AI-integrated weapon system. You will maintain architecture models using MBSE approaches and tools.

Responsibilities include defining requirements, performing trade studies, managing interfaces, and collaborating with software, hardware, and test teams to ensure system integration and verification. Candidates should have 5+ years in the field and hold a Bachelor's in Engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in systems engineering and architecture for major system acquisitions.
• Strong MBSE experience with hands-on Cameo and Sparx EA work.
• Experience with requirements management tools (DOORS/JAMA) and traceability.

Responsibilities

• Apply systems engineering principles across the full lifecycle of a technical program.
• Develop, manage, and maintain MBSE system models using MBSE tools.
• Lead requirements definition, decomposition, and traceability to program objectives.
• Conduct trade studies and risk assessments to inform key decisions.
• Define and manage system interfaces for interoperability.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and test engineers for integrated design.
• Support integration, verification, and validation activities.
• Prepare technical documentation and briefings for stakeholders.
• Work with program management to meet schedule and budget.

Skills

MBSE

Systems engineering

Requirements management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Cameo Systems Architect

Sparx Enterprise Architect

DOORS

JAMA

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Systems Engineer to join our USAF customer program in San Diego, California. The Systems Engineer will be supporting an Air Force AI integrated weapon system capability development efforts by helping maintain system architecture models in Cameo.

Work Environment

• On‑site role in San Diego, CA

Responsibilities

• Apply systems engineering principles and best practices across the full lifecycle of a technical program, from concept to disposal.
• Develop, manage, and maintain system architecture models using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and methodologies (e.g., SysML, UPDM, DoDAF).
• Lead the definition, decomposition, and management of system requirements, ensuring traceability and alignment with program objectives and stakeholder needs.
• Conduct trade studies, analyses of alternatives, and risk assessments to inform key technical decisions and mitigate program risks.
• Define and manage system interfaces, ensuring interoperability and integration between system components.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including software, hardware, and test engineers, to ensure a cohesive and integrated system design.
• Support system integration, verification, and validation activities to ensure the system meets all requirements and is fit for purpose.
• Prepare and present technical documentation, system models, and briefings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Work with program management to ensure technical solutions are developed on schedule and within budget.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and contribute to the continuous enhancement of the systems engineering discipline within the program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in systems engineering and architecture for major system acquisitions.
• Strong experience with Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• Hands‑on experience with Cameo Systems Architect and/or Sparx Enterprise Architect.
• Experience with requirements management tools such as DOORS or JAMA.
• Experience supporting requirements development, verification, compliance, and architectural trade studies.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and complex organizational environments.

Clearance Requirement

• Must possess an in‑scope T5 background investigation adjudicated for SCI eligibility and enrolled in Continuous Evaluation (if applicable).
• Must be willing to be nominated for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Programs (SAP).
• Must be willing to consent to a polygraph examination.

Compensation

• Pay Band: $165,000 - $225,000 (based on years of relevant experience)

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, 20 days of paid time off, with 11 federal holidays, and sick leave.

Application Period

Opens on 09/24/2026 and will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.