Systems Engineering Technical Lead

Overview

The Department of War has called for Systems Engineering Modernization as a key element in transforming how the Department acquires and delivers capability to the warfighter. With new director in place, there is an opportunity to strengthen the role of systems engineering across the enterprise.

System Innovation is seeking a Systems Engineering Technical Lead to support the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)). The candidate will provide technical expertise to help improve the state of practice in systems engineering and address cross‑cutting challenges across the acquisition community and the broader systems engineering enterprise.

Location

Hybrid with duty station in Arlington, VA (1x per week)

Required Responsibilities

• Advise senior government leaders within the OUSW(R&E) on strategies to modernize the Department of Defense systems engineering enterprise and strengthen acquisition outcomes.
• Provide technical leadership to advance Systems Engineering Modernization, including the integration of Digital Engineering, Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Artificial Intelligence, Agile practices, and Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) across the acquisition community.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in data analytics.
• Participate in training programs and professional development opportunities.
• Share knowledge and insights with colleagues to foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Identify cross‑cutting systems engineering challenges, conduct root cause analysis, and recommend risk mitigation or recovery strategies to improve program execution and technical performance.
• Develop and refine DoD systems engineering guidance, policies, and technical criteria supporting modular architectures, interoperable system interfaces, and MOSA implementation across programs of record and prototyping efforts.
• Support the development of technical assessment frameworks, validation and verification processes, and performance metrics to evaluate MOSA compliance and systems engineering effectiveness across the Department.
• Engage stakeholders across DoD, military services, industry, academia, and professional societies to advance systems engineering best practices and promote enterprise‑wide adoption of modern engineering approaches.
• Deliver briefings, technical reviews, demonstrations, and written products that inform leadership decisions and communicate findings across the acquisition and systems engineering communities.
• Lead and mentor technical staff, fostering a collaborative environment that attracts, develops, and retains top engineering talent while supporting professional development and technical excellence.
• Collaborate with government sponsors, industry partners, and research institutions to identify emerging opportunities and advance innovative approaches that strengthen the DoD systems engineering enterprise.
• Support System Innovation’s business/growth objectives and expansion activities.

Skills Required

• BS degree in an engineering, scientific, or technical discipline that is relevant to engineering
• Minimum 10 years of systems engineering experience including 5 years’ experience as a strategic leader on US Government programs.
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to lead the development of innovative approaches in modernizing systems engineering practices
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.

Clearance

Top Secret Clearance

About Us

System Innovation is a small business that has an outstanding track record. We are thought leaders at the forefront of innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) who are creating widespread impact. Whether we are expanding the boundaries of scientific knowledge or advancing the technological state of the art, we provide solutions to complex problems of national and global importance. Our unwavering sense of purpose and passion drives us to help our customers, teammates, and communities succeed.

Key Differentiators

• *Highly Competitive Salary and Bonuses
• *Professional Development
• *Growth Opportunities