Sr Staff Systems Engineer

SciTec, a wholly owned subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace, is a dynamic non-traditional defense contractor that delivers advanced technologies in support of U.S. National Security and Defense. For the past forty-five plus years, we have supported Department of Defense customers by developing innovative remote sensing algorithms, tools, and techniques to deliver world-class data exploitation capabilities supporting missile defense; intelligence, surveillance, & reconnaissance; space domain awareness; and aircraft survivability missions.

Important Notice: SciTec exclusively works on U.S. government contracts that require U.S. citizenship for all employees. Applicants that do not meet this requirement will not be considered.

We are seeking a Staff or Senior Staff Systems Engineer to support the design, integration, and certification of mission-critical defense systems, with emphasis on tactical data links, remote sensor data processing systems, and systems engineering rigor. This role combines standards analysis, requirements engineering, architecture development, and certification support, working closely with software developers, program managers, and external stakeholders.

The ideal candidate brings strong systems engineering discipline aligned with IEEE 15288, experience interpreting complex standards, and the ability to translate requirements into actionable technical guidance.

Responsibilities 

• Develop and apply systems engineering processes aligned with IEEE 15288
• Perform requirements derivation, decomposition, allocation, and traceability
• Analyze tactical data link standards, specifications, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs) to provide implementation guidance to software teams
• Support internal and external testing to verify system and software conformance to applicable standards
• Identify ambiguities or interpretation gaps in standards and track related implementation issues from discovery through closure
• Analyze and document standards conformance to support certification and evaluation for operational use
• Design and model system architectures for remote sensor data processing systems
• Coordinate across program management, software engineering, test, and systems engineering teams
• Mentor SciTec staff in systems engineering processes, methods, and best practices
• Develop and maintain systems engineering artifacts, including requirements documents, architecture descriptions, and certification evidence
• Communicate technical concepts clearly through written documentation and verbal briefings
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or a related technical field
• 5+ years of professional experience in engineering, computer science, or remote sensing
• 5+ years of professional experience specifically in systems engineering
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex technical information
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability and willingness to work on site in Boulder, Colorado
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD SECRET security clearance

Candidates who have one or more of the following skills will be preferred

• Active DoD SECRET clearance; TOP SECRET with SCI eligibility strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience with defense tactical data link standards and messaging, including:
• MIL-STD-6016 (Link 16)
• MIL-STD-6018 (JREAP)
• Experience supporting certification, evaluation, or operational approval of software or communications systems
• Domain experience with remote sensor systems, particularly OPIR sensor processing
• Experience supporting systems engineering programs in the defense or aerospace sectors
• Additional professional experience beyond 5 years in systems engineering
• Familiarity with TCP/IP networking concepts
• Prior experience supporting or developing software in C, C++, or Rust
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• Familiarity with SysML and tools such as Cameo / MagicDraw is highly desirable
• Academic credentials or professional certification in systems engineering (e.g., INCOSE)

*Resumes, Cover Letters, and Applications which are generated by AI will not be considered for employment.

Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

SciTec offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• 4% Safe Harbor 401(k) match
• 100% company paid HSA Medical insurance, with a choice of 2 buy-up options
• 80% company paid Dental insurance
• 100% company paid Vision insurance
• 100% company paid Life insurance
• 100% company paid Long-term Disability insurance
• Short-term Disability insurance
• Annual Profit-Sharing Plan
• Discretionary Performance Bonus
• Paid Parental Leave
• Generous Paid Time Off, including Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Pay
• Flexible work hours

The pay range for this position is $120,000 - $146,000 / year. SciTec considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. This is not a guarantee of compensation.

SciTec is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. VET/Disabled.