SLCM-N Systems Engineer in McLean

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high‑impact, technical solutions to complex security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing results that matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear‑sighted commitment to the mission.

SPA:
Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Strategic Division (SD) supports high‑reliability organizations including Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, and the Department of Energy (DOE), among others. Our support across our client base is expanding rapidly and encompasses important services, such as data analytics and visualization, threat analysis, risk management, modeling and simulation, cost estimating, earned value management, program management, system engineering, independent evaluation, and high‑consequence event prevention.

SPA’s Strategic Division’s Regional Strike System Group (RSSG) supports critical U.S. government programs providing systems engineering, systems safety, modelling, master scheduling, and financial analysis support. RSSG is hiring for a Systems Engineer to support the nuclear‑armed, sea‑launched cruise missile at Maritime Plaza. The position is primarily on‑site, but some remote work will be permitted.

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Washington D.C. pay‑transparency salary range: $120,000 – $170,000 per year.

Join a dynamic and mission‑critical team dedicated to enhancing our nation’s strategic capabilities. As a mid‑level Systems Engineer for the SLCM‑N program, you will play a pivotal role in the development and execution of a comprehensive risk‑reduction test missile program. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the engineering design, flight test planning, and systems integration efforts for a major defense acquisition program.

You will be responsible for identifying potential system risks and developing innovative solutions to mature missile technologies and ensure program success.

• Support the development of a missile development program by managing the interfaces between shipboard and missile systems.
• Develop and manage requirements, verification, and validation strategies to ensure that test campaigns effectively burn down program risk and inform critical design decisions.
• Prepare and present technical briefings, readiness reviews, and engineering recommendations to program leadership and government stakeholders.
• Serve as a liaison between the government program office and numerous prime defense contractors and external stakeholders.
• Assist in the establishment and logistical management of several working groups which may include program safety, logistics, flight tests, requirements, and mission planning.

• Active DoD SECRET security clearance with the ability to gain and maintain a DoD TOP SECRET clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field.
• Ability to work at Maritime Plaza in Washington D.C.
• 5–7 years of professional experience in one or more of the following: aerospace/defense systems engineering, missile systems or launch vehicles, safety systems engineering, Navy submarine programs, and nuclear weapons surety.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills and a demonstrated ability to take initiative and drive tasks to completion.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

• Active DoD TOP SECRET security clearance.
• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Experience in a rapid prototyping or technology demonstration environment.
• Experience preparing and delivering briefings to senior/executive leadership.