Senior Systems Engineer; Engineer Systems

Job Description

Shape the Future of High-Altitude ISR on the Legendary U-2 "Dragon Lady".

Step into one of the most unique engineering roles in aerospace today. We’re looking for a driven, forward‑thinking Senior Systems Engineer to lead the full integration of a next‑generation surveillance radar onto the iconic U‑2 — a platform that has defined high‑altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance for decades.

This part‑time role puts you at the center of a mission‑critical modernization effort, solving technical challenges that sit at the intersection of cutting‑edge sensor technology, advanced avionics, and the extreme environment of high‑altitude flight. If you thrive on high‑stakes engineering, complex interfaces, and making a tangible impact on national security, this is the job that lets you do all of that — and more.

Location
:
Robins AFB, GA or Wright‑Patterson AFB, OH
Schedule
:
Hybrid, 20–30 hours/week with on‑site presence several days per week

• Systems Integration & Architecture
  :
  Lead the systems engineering for the radar integration project, including requirements definition, design, verification, testing, and deployment. Understand system architectures that account for hardware, software, and network interfaces, ensuring compliance with a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA).
• Requirements Management
  :
  Decompose top‑level mission objectives into detailed system and subsystem requirements for the radar, processors, and crew‑machine interfaces. Support verification of requirements and perform risk analysis for approval of requirements variances.
• Interface Design & Control
  :
  Define and manage the critical data interfaces between the radar system and the U‑2's avionics, including MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet, and other communication protocols.
• Hardware & Software Integration
  :
  Oversee the physical and electrical integration of the radar sensor, addressing challenges related to power, cooling, and structural mounting on the unique U‑2 airframe.
• Verification & Validation (V&V):
  Develop and execute comprehensive system integration, verification, and validation test plans and procedures. This will occur in both systems integration labs (SIL) and during flight test campaigns.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  :
  Serve as the primary technical point of contact, working closely with multidisciplinary teams including airframe, flight controls, avionics, electrical, and cybersecurity engineers, as well as test pilots, test engineers and external suppliers.
• Risk Management
  :
  Proactively identify, analyze, and mitigate technical risks associated with the integration effort. Conduct trade studies to inform design decisions and ensure optimal system performance.
• Familiarity with airworthiness certification processes and standards (MIL-HDBK-516C).
• Cybersecurity Compliance
  :
  Ensure the integrated system adheres to all Department of Defense (DoD) cybersecurity mandates, including the Risk Management Framework (RMF) for certification and accreditation.

• 5 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 3 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 0 years experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 9 years relevant experience.
• 3-7 years of experience in systems engineering and integration, preferably within the aerospace and defense industry.
• Proven experience with the integration of avionics, sensors, or other complex mission systems onto military aircraft.
• Strong understanding of aircraft electrical systems, avionics bus architectures (e.g., MIL-STD-1553), and communication protocols.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing engineering requirements and executing V&V plans.
• Possess an active Secret security clearance at a minimum, with the ability to obtain a Top Secret/SCI clearance.

• Direct experience with the U-2 platform or other high‑altitude, long‑endurance (HALE) aircraft.
• In‑depth knowledge of radar systems, RF theory, digital signal processing, or other airborne sensor technologies.
• Experience with Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., Cameo, Sparx EA) and simulation…