Senior Systems Engineer

Senior Systems Engineer

K , Inc. is seeking a senior systems engineer to lead architecture decisions, mentor engineers, and ensure mission‑critical systems meet stringent reliability and security standards. Your work will shape the future of Earth observation technologies and have global impact.

K  delivers science, technology, and engineering solutions that help customers accomplish critical missions. Our team at the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center supports the Landsat program and other remote sensing initiatives that impact global environmental monitoring and research. We value innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence in everything we do.

• Lead design, development, and maintenance of scientific/engineering software systems, ensuring quality and compliance while meeting scope, schedule, and budget constraints.
• Define and document system requirements, operational concepts, and integration/test plans.
• Analyze customer requirements and translate them into design specifications; create prototypes and validate solutions.
• Develop and execute test plans; perform integration, system, and acceptance testing.
• Create and manage project schedules to ensure timely delivery of system components and milestones.
• Evaluate vendor software and recommend adoption or integration.
• Conduct studies to enhance efficiency, reduce cost, and meet evolving requirements.
• Plan and coordinate work of engineers; mentor and train team members.
• Serve as organizational consultant and lead cross‑functional teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or related field.
• 14 years of progressive, related experience in systems engineering or software development for scientific/engineering applications.
• Proven ability to lead complex system design and integration efforts.
• Strong understanding of Software Design Life Cycle, configuration management, and quality assurance principles.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• AWS Solutions Architect or similar certification.
• Experience with hybrid‑cloud architectures and containerization.
• Knowledge of image processing, database management, and software development.
• Proficiency with tools such as DOORS, Jira, and Confluence.
• Ability to conduct trade studies for technology upgrades, cloud services, and software updates.

• Three years of continuous residency in the US for issuance of a Government Security credential.
• The candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a national agency check and background investigation after hiring to obtain a badge for government facility access and user account.

K  offers competitive lifestyle benefits which could include a 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, and flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

K  is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.