Systems Engineer

Our client is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for the aerospace and defense community, with key contributions to advanced sensing, directed energy, laser communications, and electro-optic technologies for DoD, NASA, and other national security customers. We are looking for an experienced Senior Systems Engineer - Test & Evaluation Lead to join our team in support of advanced defense acquisition programs involving missile, sensor, and EO/IR systems.

As the Senior Systems Engineer - Test & Evaluation Lead, you will provide programmatic and technical oversight of contractor-executed verification, qualification, integration, and developmental test activities across the full acquisition life cycle. You will support government and industry stakeholders in T&E strategy, review of contractor-developed test documentation, readiness assessments, evaluation of test results, and independent technical assessment of system progress, qualification status, and program risk. This role is well suited for candidates from government, SETA, FFRDC, prime contractor, or subsystem supplier environments with experience in acquisition test, system verification, qualification, and integrated missile or sensor systems. Strong systems engineering, communication, and cross-functional coordination skills are required to support acquisition decision milestones and ensure test activities are aligned with system requirements, program objectives, and customer needs.

Essential Job Duties

• Provide systems engineering and programmatic oversight of contractor-executed test and evaluation activities in support of component qualification and acquisition decision milestones
• Develop, review, update, and staff T&E strategies, test plans, verification approaches, and qualification documentation in alignment with system requirements and program objectives
• Ensure traceability between system requirements, verification methods, qualification events, and test results
• Support T&E planning across the full acquisition life cycle, including requirements development, design maturation, integration, verification, qualification, and formal program reviews
• Lead or support Test and Evaluation Working Integrated Product Teams (T&E WIPTs), Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), and other technical reviews
• Review contractor-developed test procedures, readiness artifacts, safety documentation, data packages, and test reports for technical rigor, completeness, and contractual compliance
• Coordinate with government organizations, test centers, laboratories, and contractor teams to support test planning, scheduling, resource alignment, and execution
• Support independent technical assessment of test adequacy, qualification status, system performance, and program risk
• Evaluate test discrepancies, root cause analyses, corrective action plans, and regression or retest activities
• Prepare technical briefings, system assessment inputs, verification status updates, and leadership recommendations for government decision-makers
• Support assessment of EO/IR subsystems and integrated sensor performance through functional, environmental, interface, and system-level verification activities

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline
• A minimum of 8 years of systems engineering, test and evaluation, integration and test, or qualification experience supporting defense acquisition programs
• Demonstrated experience supporting acquisition-level verification, qualification, developmental test, or system evaluation activities across the full acquisition life cycle
• Experience providing government, SETA, program office, or lead engineering oversight of contractor-performed test activities
• Experience developing, reviewing, or assessing test plans, procedures, readiness documentation, verification documentation, and test reports for complex defense systems
• Experience with requirements development, verification planning, requirements traceability, and technical review processes
• Experience supporting the development, integration, qualification, or test and evaluation of missile systems, seekers, sensors, EO/IR payloads, or other complex hardware-intensive defense systems
• Strong analytical, technical writing, and briefing skills
• Ability to effectively communicate with government, contractor, and cross-functional engineering stakeholders
• U.S. citizenship is required
• Active DoD Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting U.S. Army or DoD test and evaluation activities, including coordination with government test organizations, ranges, or laboratories such as ATEC, RTC, DEVCOM, or PEO Missiles and Space stakeholders
• Experience with developmental test, qualification test, system verification, verification cross-reference matrices, and test readiness reviews
• Experience with missile seekers, optical/IR sensors, guidance systems, hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) environments, or integrated sensor systems
• Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, telemetry reduction tools, or other technical data analysis environments
• Prior experience supporting Javelin, Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM), or related missile or sensor programs
• DAWIA Practitioner or equivalent certification in Test and Evaluation or Engineering, or PMP certification

Salary Range: The base annual salary range for this position is $140,000-$190,000. This range reflects the compensation our client reasonably expects to offer for this role. Placement within the range will depend on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s experience, education and training, key skills, and relevant market and business considerations.

Benefits offered: The company provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability, life insurance, and AD&D; a 401(k) plan with a company match and immediate vesting; Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts; an Employee Assistance Program; education assistance; paid time off and holidays; flexible work schedules; and a 9/8/80 alternate workweek option.