Leads systems engineering for an AWACS modernization program, overseeing avionics, communications, mission systems, software, cybersecurity, integration, testing, certification, and aircraft fielding. Responsibilities include requirements development, architecture, interface management, technical planning, risk mitigation, verification and validation, airworthiness support, configuration control, and technical documentation. The role supervises multidisciplinary engineering teams and coordinates with government stakeholders, OEMs, laboratories, and subcontractors.
Senior Systems EngineerDesired Start Date: 2 weeks prior to award, or no later than 2 weeks after awardLocation: Oklahoma City, OK Clearance Requirement: Active Secret Security Clearance required at time of employmentTravel Requirement: Up to 25–35% domestic and international travelRequired QualificationsEducationExperience
This is a supervisory position.
Key Responsibilities- Lead systems engineering activities and multidisciplinary teams across avionics, software, cybersecurity, test, and logistics disciplines.
- Provide technical guidance to program leadership, customers, and government stakeholders.
- Manage technical planning, execution, risk mitigation, and problem resolution throughout the program lifecycle.
- Lead requirements decomposition, functional analysis, system architecture development, and interface management.
- Develop and maintain Systems Engineering Management Plans (SEMPs), requirements traceability, compliance matrices, and verification documentation.
- Manage requirements and traceability using IBM DOORS or equivalent tools.
- Conduct trade studies, technical evaluations, and system impact assessments.
- Lead integration efforts involving:
- Military communications systems (UHF/VHF/HF, ARC-210, secure communications, COMSEC)
- Aircraft networking and mission computing systems
- Operator workstations and mission support systems
- Ground-to-air communications and interoperability solutions
- Assessing impacts to aircraft electrical, structural, cooling, and network architectures.
- Coordinating with OEMs, government agencies, laboratories, and subcontractors.
- Resolving technical integration challenges and ensuring system interoperability.
- Lead verification and validation activities supporting laboratory, ground, and flight testing.
- Support qualification testing, system integration laboratories, ground acceptance testing, and flight acceptance testing.
- Review test procedures and results, conduct root cause analysis, and verify compliance with requirements.
- Support airworthiness certification, flight release, and aircraft modification activities.
- Integrate cybersecurity requirements into system design, testing, and certification activities.
- Support RMF, ATO, POA&M, Program Protection Plans, Supply Chain Risk Management, and secure architecture development.
- Ensure compliance with applicable certification, airworthiness, and security requirements.
- Manage technical risks and mitigation strategies.
- Support configuration control, engineering baseline management, ECP reviews, audits, and engineering change processes.
- Ensure accuracy and compliance of technical documentation and engineering data packages.
- Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 15+ years of systems engineering experience supporting aerospace, aviation, or defense programs.
- 7+ years supporting military avionics, aircraft modernization, airborne communications, or mission systems programs.
- Experience leading engineering efforts from requirements development through deployment and sustainment.
- Experience supporting government acquisition or defense modernization programs
- Strong understanding of avionics systems, aircraft integration, systems engineering, flight testing, certification, and defense acquisition processes.
- Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and customer relationship management skills.
- Experience with AWACS, ISR, C2, airborne communications, or large aircraft mission systems.
Compensation - Salary
At Fairwinds, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location and experience. Additional incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full time, exempt position.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance:
Must be eligible to work in the US. Must hold an ACTIVE DoD secret clearance.
AAP/EEO Statement
Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
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