Senior Digital and Systems Engineering Poject Leader

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) offers unparalleled expertise in systems engineering to the U.S. government and various public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced development and application of space systems. From systems CONOPs and architecture development to system design and analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED leverages a vast array of engineering and business disciplines across a diverse and dynamic portfolio of space programs and national challenges spanning the total space system lifecycle. 

The Digital Systems Engineering Department (DSED), part of SED, serves as a strategic partner to government and commercial organizations navigating the digital transformation of systems engineering. Through applied research and development, agile rapid prototyping, objective independent assessments, and expert advisory services, DSED enables customers to successfully institutionalize Digital Systems Engineering (DSE) concepts, methods, practices, and tools throughout their systems acquisition and realization lifecycle. Our comprehensive approach- integrating the three functional pillars of Digital Engineering (DE), Model-Based Engineering (MBE), and Systems Engineering (SE), empowers customers to accelerate innovation, reduce risk, and achieve mission success in increasingly complex space and defense system environments. 

Job Summary 

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Project Leader with a focus on Digital and Systems Engineering to drive the development, execution and management of complex MBSE and DE project portfolios. This role requires a deep understanding of MBSE and DE concepts, methodologies, frameworks, tools, and best practices to enhance the acquisition and realization of space and defense systems encompassing systems architecture, design, analysis, and lifecycle management. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in e, project portfolio management, end-to-end systems engineering lifecycle activities, and cross-functional collaboration with Aerospace program offices and Engineering Technology Group (ETG) organizations within a dynamic and innovative environment.  

What You'll Be Doing  

Portfolio Management & Governance 

• Develop and maintain MBSE and DE based project portfolio strategic plan comprising portfolio objectives and desired outcomes  

• Align portfolio objectives with DSED strategic goals, customer priorities, and organizational digital transformation initiatives 

• Establish and maintain portfolio governance frameworks, policies, and standards 

Project Oversight & Performance Management 

• Oversee the execution of multiple concurrent MBSE and DE projects throughout their total lifecycle 

• Define and monitor project health metrics using KPIs and performance dashboards 

• Identify and resolve cross-project dependencies, conflicts, and resource constraints 

Resource Management 

• Plan and allocate resources (personnel, engineering tools, infrastructure) across the portfolio 

• Balance project demands against resource capacity, skills competency, and capability constraints 

• Identify resource skill gaps and training needs for MBSE/DE competencies 

Stakeholder Management & Communication 

• Build and maintain open communication relationships with portfolio stakeholders, including project sponsors, leadership, and team members    

• Provide regular portfolio performance status, challenges, risks, and opportunities 

• Manage portfolio stakeholder needs and expectations and resolve conflicting priorities 

Optimization & Innovation 

• Identify opportunities for portfolio management improvements and efficiency gains 

• Stay current with emerging trends in MBSE/DE concepts, standards, methodologies, and technologies  

• Develop and maintain portfolio management playbooks, guidelines, models, patterns for sharing and reuse purposes 

What You Need to Be Successful 

Minimum Requirements: 

• B.S. degree in a relevant Engineering discipline (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, etc.), Computer Science, or related technical field   

• 15+ years of experience in three or more systems engineering functional areas (e.g. requirements, architecture, design) with at least 5 years proficiency in MBSE and DE concepts, standards, methods, and practices 

• Background in strategic portfolio management, including goal setting and roadmap development 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate DE and MBSE technical concepts for non-technical audiences 

• Proven ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups including government, SETA, and other FFRDC teams 

• Ability to coordinate efforts with other ETG organizations.  

• Demonstrate solid organizational skills and ability to adapt to changing program office sponsor and customer needs 

• Strong systems thinking and innovation mindset 

• Experience mentoring and coaching project leads and systems engineers 

• Willing to travel to customer or contractor site, domestically or internationally 

• This position requires an active TS/SCI security clearance issued by the U.S. Government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance 

How You Can Stand Out   

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, Operations Research, or related technical field   

• Hands on systems engineering work experience in the space, defense, or nuclear surety domains 

• Familiarity with agile project management using JIRA. 

• Knowledge of enterprise and mission engineering principles and practices 

• PMI PMP OR INCOSE CSEP/ESEP certification