Cyber Systems Engineer

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national 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. Objective. Responsive. Trusted. Comprising more than 130 personnel, the Integrated Warfare Systems Group (IWSG) delivers expertise across program and project management, acquisition and contracting, systems and digital engineering, software development, test and evaluation, sustainment and life‑cycle management, cybersecurity, international/Foreign Military Sales, strategic communications, and IT services. These capabilities support more than 100 Above Water Sensor, Undersea, and Combat System programs and projects within the Navy’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Mission Systems, Maritime and Munitions, as well as clients at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, and the Office of Naval Research.

We are seeking a Lead Cyber Systems Engineer (Defense Acquisition) to technically guide two fast‑paced programs within PEO IWS through the entire systems engineering and acquisition life cycles. You will provide direct support to the program’s Assistant Program Managers (APMs), taking responsibility for the successful execution of the programs’ technical scope. You will lead the effort to architect, design, and mature both systems through all phases of the systems engineering lifecycle, while ensuring that Program Protection—including (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), and Critical Program Information (CPI) safeguards—are engineered into the design.

We are looking for a candidate who is adept at assessing and mitigating system security threats/risks as an integral part of the engineering process, not as a separate function. While you will assist the ISSM/ISSO with Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities, your primary focus will be on upfront engineering and program execution.

You must have the ability to work from SPA’s 20 M St. office in DC at least three days per week and potentially up to full time depending upon client needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience serving as a technical lead guiding a defense program through formal SETR gates (specifically PDR and CDR) and major DoW Milestone decisions, including direct experience translating JCIDS requirements into system‑level specifications and managing requirements traceability.
• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering, computer science, or related technical field.
• At least 5 years of Cyber Systems Engineering experience specifically on DoW programs.
• Possess DoD 8570 Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level III Certification.
• Must hold and maintain an Active Department of War (DoW) Secret Clearance.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in systems engineering or a related technical field.
• Experience serving as a Systems Engineer in a Navy acquisition program office.
• Experience with Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., Cameo, Magic Draw).
• Familiarity with the DoD’s Authority to Operate (ATO) process and its relationship with systems engineering milestones.

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 disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

Washington, D.C. Pay Transparency Range: $115,000 – $195,000.