Senior Systems Engineering Manager - Simulation & Training (Onsite)

About

Strategic Defense Solutions is seeking a Senior Systems Engineering Manager to lead systems engineering execution on high‑impact Department of Defense programs. This role is for a proven leader who understands that disciplined systems engineering—and the effective management of engineering talent—directly enables mission success and national security outcomes. You will provide technical and functional leadership to teams of systems engineers, with accountability for lifecycle rigor across requirements, architecture, integration, and verification. You will manage and allocate engineering resources to meet program priorities, develop, and mentor senior engineering talent, and ensure the right skills are aligned to the right mission needs. This role requires decisive leadership, sound technical judgment, and the ability to translate mission objectives into executable plans in high‑consequence environments. The position is located onsite in Sterling, VA and requires an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of systems engineers, providing technical direction and applying sound systems engineering principles across the full development lifecycle.
• Program Execution: Own engineering execution for scope, schedule, and cost, with direct involvement in project planning, Earned Value Management (EVM), and risk management activities.
• Process & Compliance: Ensure disciplined use of established development processes, lifecycle plans, and tools, including adherence to avionics certification standards and ARP‑4754‑aligned systems development where applicable.
• Bids & Proposals: Lead, review, and provide technical guidance for proposal and capture activities, ensuring credible, executable engineering content.
• People & Resource Management: Make hiring and staffing decisions, conduct performance management, address personnel matters, and build a highly engaged, high‑performing engineering team.
• Organizational Leadership: Partner with peers and leadership to plan and execute broader departmental and strategic initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience, or in absence of a degree, 14 years of relevant experience.
• Active and transferable U.S. government‑issued security clearance required prior to start date (U.S. citizenship required).
• Successfully executed in a previous senior engineering leadership role; demonstrated communication and presentation skills with the ability to seamlessly present appropriate information to numerous stakeholders.
• Experience working with complex system‑of‑systems from both a development and maintenance perspective and from an architectural perspective.
• Understanding/familiarity with the following software technologies: requirements database (e.g., DOORS, JAMA), Atlassian suite of tools (Confluence, JIRA), Linux, C/C++/Python or other programming languages, and fundamental concepts of systems engineering (requirements allocation, management, verification and validation, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced expertise in Earned Value Management (EVM) principles, tools, and application.
• Ability to lead technical discussions with internal teams as well as customers to help inform technology roadmaps.
• Experience managing team performance, career development, succession plans, and talent reviews.
• Top Secret clearance.
• Demonstrated adaptability and resilience in dynamic environments with changing priorities and resource constraints.
• Strong emotional intelligence, maintaining composure and objectivity under pressure.
• Highly self‑motivated leader capable of fostering a positive, accountable team culture.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Team‑first mindset with a focus on collective success.
• Ability to assess engineering performance against plan and proactively drive corrective actions.
• Experience developing and maintaining staffing plans, including recruiting, hiring, and onboarding.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.
• Familiarity with the Atlassian tool suite, including JIRA.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching funds and a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student loan repayment program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages (pet, home, auto, additional life and accident, critical illness, group legal, ID theft protection)
• Birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning resources
• Adoption assistance
• Autism benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan (up to 10 free counseling sessions)
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second‑opinion program
• Eligibility for relocation assistance
• Additional benefits and programs as available.