Senior Navy Systems Strategist

Ignite Digital has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Navy Systems Strategist to support our client engagements within the federal government in Charleston, SC or Washington, DC. The ideal candidate is a strategic, technically proficient leader with extensive experience supporting U.S. Navy platforms, systems, and operational concepts, coupled with a deep understanding of Navy modernization initiatives, capability development, and mission planning.

This position serves a critical role in providing strategic guidance, technical analysis, and subject matter expertise to support the development, integration, and modernization of U.S. Navy systems. The Senior Navy Systems Strategist will lead strategic planning efforts, technology roadmaps, systems analysis, and mission-focused initiatives that directly influence Navy capability development and future operational readiness. Candidates should possess strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills and be comfortable supporting high-visibility, high-impact programs in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while collaborating with government stakeholders, engineering teams, and senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities
• Advise leadership on Navy operational requirements, fleet employment, and systems integration considerations.
• Provide technical insight into legacy and emerging Navy shipboard systems, including sensors, weapons, combat systems, C5ISR, unmanned systems, and shipboard networks.
• Support capture strategies, technical writing, and solution development for Navy program pursuits.
• Engage with Navy stakeholders, PEOs, TYCOMs, warfare centers, and fleet users to validate requirements and ensure alignment with mission needs.
• Conduct assessments of Navy system performance, modernization pathways, and technology transition approaches.
• Translate complex Navy operational needs into actionable technical and programmatic recommendations.
• Support cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, and business development.

Required Qualifications
• Active DoD Top Secret Clearance.
• Must be eligible for continued access to classified information in accordance with DoD SAP and Navy security directives.
• Minimum 10 years of experience supporting the U.S. Navy in an operational, technical, engineering, or strategy role.
• Deep expertise with U.S. Navy ships, combat systems, and shipboard systems-of-systems.
• Demonstrated experience with program management, systems engineering, requirements development, or capability integration within Navy environments.
• Strong understanding of Navy acquisition processes, fleet operations, and naval warfare concepts.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to brief senior military and civilian leadership.

Preferred Qualifications
• Former Navy Systems Officer (e.g., Combat Systems Officer, Systems Test Officer, Engineering Duty Officer, Information Warfare Officer, etc.).
• Experience working with NAVWAR, NAVSEA, NAVAIR, OPNAV N-codes, or warfare centers.
• Previous involvement in ship modernization, system integration, fleet experimentation, or advanced technology transition programs.
• Master’s degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Defense Studies, or related technical field.

Work Location
Flexible depending on program needs; may require travel to Navy installations, shipyards, fleet concentration areas, and program offices.
Salary: $150k+ to align with experience and education