Systems Engineer - Design & Development

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:Must be able to obtain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance in a reasonable amount of time. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required. Candidate must be local to the area and able to work onsite. 

Responsibilities for this Position

ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES

General Dynamics Mission Systems is seeking an Advanced Systems Engineer 3 to support the D5LE2 program within the SWC Fire Control engineering organization. The successful candidate will serve as a senior technical contributor, applying deep systems engineering expertise across the full system life cycle and leveraging MBSE, digital engineering, and program leadership principles to drive mission-critical outcomes in support of the U.S. Navy's strategic deterrent. This role requires strong independent judgment, the ability to guide major program milestones, and demonstrated leadership in mentoring and developing junior engineers within a complex, long-horizon program environment.

What Sets You Apart

• Proven track record leading complex systems engineering efforts across the full development life cycle
• Highly proficient with MBSE tools and methodologies, with experience driving model-based deliverables on real programs
• Technical leader who mentors junior engineers and builds team capability
• Strong communicator and negotiator who influences customer requirements and drives win-win outcomes
• Understanding of program management principles (Earned Value, CAM, SPI/CPI) and their intersection with engineering execution
• Strong software or computing architecture background as foundation in Systems Engineering.
• Commitment to shaping engineering processes and tools for continuous improvement

Key Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering activities including requirements analysis, definition, and management, functional analysis, performance analysis, system design, trade studies, integration and test (verification), validation, and interface definition for D5LE2 subsystems and system elements
• Drive MBSE and digital engineering strategy, developing and maintaining system architectures, models, and designs using Cameo/MagicDraw and DOORS in support of upcoming D5LE2 program milestones
• Apply expert-level critical thinking to identify, analyze, and resolve system design weaknesses; serve as a technical decision-maker for complex engineering trade-offs
• Perform and oversee technical planning, cost and risk analyses, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for subsystems and system elements
• Guide the successful completion of major programs and projects; contribute to program milestone reviews and gate decisions
• Develop and allocate system requirements to lower-level elements; lead customer requirements analysis and negotiation in alignment with D5LE2 objectives
• Conduct detailed technical analyses; evaluate vendor products, COTS, GFE/CFE, specifications to determine feasibility and inform design decisions
• Design complete and complex frameworks, systems, or products that set architectural direction
• Evaluate systems to ensure designs meet governmental security specifications; lead system accreditation/certification efforts and develop security documentation
• Support and lead Modeling and Simulation activities aligned with program objectives
• Generate and review technical engineering products; ensure quality and compliance with standards, processes, and tools (T9001, SPALT, peer review)
• Provide leadership, direction, and mentoring to lower-level employees; support talent development within the D5LE2 team
• Maintain awareness of technology trends relevant to the D5LE2 mission domain and strategic deterrence
• Identify opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation
• Build and maintain productive internal and external working relationships with customer, program office, and cross-functional teams

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Highly proficient understanding and application of systems engineering principles, concepts, and theories in a complex, safety-critical program environment
• Highly proficient knowledge of the system development life cycle from concept through disposal, with demonstrated experience leading all phases on a major defense or strategic weapons program
• Highly proficient with system modeling tools (Cameo/MagicDraw, DOORS) and recognized architectural patterns (SysML, DoDAF); proven experience driving MBSE methodologies on program deliverables
• Strong command of digital engineering concepts and their application to program workflows, model management, configuration control, and authoritative sources of truth
• Strong background in software development, or computing architecture (distributed or cloud systems, virtual machines)
• Expert-level critical thinking: demonstrated ability to analyze complex, multi-dimensional problems, evaluate alternatives, and independently determine and execute sound solutions
• Highly proficient in requirements management tools and Microsoft Office applications
• Highly proficient written and verbal communication skills; ability to present to senior leadership, customers, and cross-functional audiences
• Understanding and application of project leadership principles including SPI/CPI, Earned Value, Cost Account Management (CAM), and Statistical Process Controls
• Ability to build productive internal and external working relationships; effective negotiation skills with customers and stakeholders
• Ability to sell concepts and ideas, influence direction, and drive consensus on technical approach
• Shows initiative, exercises expert independent judgment, and professionally leads projects to completion
• Awareness of safety and surety principles and their critical role in strategic weapons system engineering

Our Commitment to You:

• An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
• Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security
• Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
• Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
• See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options:This position is fully on-site with the option to a flex schedule depending on work load.While on-site, you will be a part of the Pittsfield, MA campus.

Salary Note

This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Combined Salary Range

USD $124,397.00 - USD $138,003.00 /Yr.

Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans