Lead Systems Engineer, Defense Programs
On-site · Lanham, Maryland, United States
Job Summary
Lead Systems Engineer for defense programs in Lanham, MD, serving as the primary interface between our commercial SpaceMobile network capabilities and defense customer requirements. Owns requirements definition, architecture, CONOPs definition, integration, and verification across the full system lifecycle. Translate defense mission needs into system-level requirements with clear traceability; lead flow-down and allocation across satellite, ground, and communications subsystems. Interface with government customers, program managers, and defense contractors to align baselines and manage change. Lead system-level trade studies, risk assessments, and design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) for defense programs; coordinate with commercial engineering teams to adapt SpaceMobile for defense missions. Support proposal development and Basis of Estimate (BoE); maintain ConOps, ICDs, verification plans, and traceability matrices. Mentor junior engineers and promote best practices. Requires active clearance (Secret; TS/SCI eligible preferred) and 8+ years in DoD/defense. Travel up to 25%. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. Advanced degree preferred.
- A minimum of 8 years of systems engineering experience, with at least 4 years supporting DoD or defense programs.
- Active Secret (S) security clearance required; TS/SCI eligible preferred.
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