Mission Engineer

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Lead Mission Systems Engineer to lead the design and implementation of mission-critical intelligence-driven data systems for defense and federal operations. This contract leadership role combines deep technical expertise with intelligence tradecraft knowledge and project management capabilities to architect resilient, scalable systems that directly support organizational mission objectives and operational requirements within our government business unit.

• Lead cross-functional project teams in delivering mission-critical systems for defense and federal clients
• Manage technical project execution from requirements gathering through deployment and operational handoff
• Coordinate with government intelligence stakeholders, program managers, and technical teams to ensure project success
• Drive project delivery within scope, schedule, and budget constraints while maintaining quality standards
• Design and architect enterprise-scale big data analytics solutions using Apache Spark and modern data platforms
• Lead implementation of MLOps pipelines using frameworks like mlFlow, including model serving, monitoring, and lifecycle management
• Architect GenAI and LLM solutions including model pre-training, fine-tuning, vector search, and RAG applications
• Oversee data governance implementation using tools like Unity Catalog and establish comprehensive data lineage
• Build and lead technical project teams including data engineers, system integrators, and software developers
• Implement project management methodologies and establish efficient development workflows
• Provide technical mentorship with a focus on intelligence tradecraft to team members throughout the project lifecycle
• Conduct technical assessments for project staffing and resource allocation decisions
• Architect and deploy mission-critical systems across multiple operational installations and environments
• Lead intelligent process automation initiatives that reduce operational overhead and enhance mission effectiveness
• Design resilient data pipelines and AI solutions capable of operating in secure, distributed intelligence-driven mission environments
• Establish performance benchmarking and cost optimization for mission-critical system deployments
• Ensure mission system reliability, security, and compliance with federal operational requirements
• Stay current with state-of-the-art models and emerging AI/ML technologies
• Drive adoption of advanced computing paradigms including GPU acceleration, parallel processing, and HPC
• Lead research and development initiatives for next-generation data intelligence capabilities
• Establish partnerships with technology vendors and consulting organizations

• Architect and deploy mission-critical systems across multiple operational installations and environments
• Lead intelligent process automation initiatives that reduce operational overhead and enhance mission effectiveness
• Design resilient data pipelines and AI solutions capable of operating in secure, distributed intelligence-driven mission environments
• Establish performance benchmarking and cost optimization for mission-critical system deployments
• Ensure mission system reliability, security, and compliance with federal operational requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent technical discipline
• Current certifications Comp TIA +.

• 15+ years of progressive technology leadership experience
• Proven track record of building and leading large, distributed technical teams
• Experience managing complex technology initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to work with senior leadership and translate technical concepts to business stakeholders

• Extensive experience in defense/federal contracting with active security clearance
• Proven track record of deploying mission-critical systems across multiple operational installations
• Deep understanding of federal compliance requirements, security protocols, and operational constraints
• Experience working with both Defense Intelligence and Agency Intelligence communities
• Ability to bridge gaps between IC tradecraft and real-world analytical requirements

• Active security clearance (TS/SCI) and CI Poly within 5 years.

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and technical depth
• Excellent communication skills with ability to present to C-level executives
• Collaborative leadership style with deep understanding of IC tradecraft and joint operations requirements
• Continuous learner with passion for emerging technologies
• Results-driven with focus on measurable business impact
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, dynamic environments

Core4ce is a team of innovators, self-starters, and critical thinkers—driven by a shared mission to strengthen national security and advance war fighting…