Research Scientist, Advanced Model-Based Systems Engineering and Systems of Systems Engineering

Department: Col of Engineering and Computing

Classification: Research Staff 12-month

Job Category: Research Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The C5I Center at Mason is the nation’s first and only civilian university-based center offering a comprehensive academic and research program in Military/National Security applications of information technology and cyber security. The Center’s mission is to perform advanced research in defense, intelligence, and security-related applications in IT and Cyber – bridging cultural gaps and aligning requirements between government, industry, and academia. It serves as a multi-disciplinary hub connecting faculty and researchers working on areas related to the Center’s mission.

About the Position:

The Research Scientist will conduct advanced research in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Systems of Systems Engineering (SoSE), and Modular Open Systems Approaches (MOSA). The individual will develop architectures, methodologies, models, and decision-support frameworks using SysML, UAF, and related modeling standards to enable the design, analysis, integration, and evolution of complex systems and systems of systems. The position will support sponsored research, proposal development, technical leadership, student mentoring, and collaboration with government and industry stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Systems of Systems Engineering (SoSE), and Digital Engineering methodologies;
• Develop SysML- and UAF-based models and architectures for complex systems, mission engineering applications, and systems-of-systems integration;
• Research and develop Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) frameworks, architectural patterns, interoperability standards, and acquisition strategies to improve system adaptability and reuse;
• Perform architecture analysis, requirements engineering, trade-space analysis, capability mapping, and model-based verification and validation;
• Collaborate with faculty, industry, and government partners on sponsored research projects and technology transition activities;
• Mentor graduate students and research staff; support research planning, technical reviews, and laboratory development activities; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience developing SysML models and architectural frameworks;
• Experience conducting research in complex systems or systems-of-systems domains;
• Experience using Cameo Systems Modeler/MagicDraw, Syndeia, or related model integration tools;
• Record of technical publications, reports, or sponsored research contributions;
• Demonstrated expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering and Systems Engineering practices;
• Knowledge of Systems of Systems Engineering concepts and methodologies;
• Knowledge of Enterprise Architecture Frameworks and architectural modeling approaches;
• Skill in development of SysML models using Cameo Systems Modeler, MagicDraw, or equivalent tools;
• Knowledge of Application of Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) and related architecture frameworks;
• Skill in Architecture development, model analysis, and traceability;
• Skill in Technical writing and proposal development;
• Skill in Research design and execution; and
• US Person status is required due to sponsor funding restriction.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in a related field;
• 1-2 years of research or applied experience in MBSE, SoSE, or Digital Engineering;
• Experience with Department of Defense Digital Engineering initiatives;
• Experience supporting DoD, NASA, FAA, DHS, or other government-sponsored programs;
• Experience developing Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) architectures;
• Experience developing and implementing Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) strategies;
• Experience with model interoperability standards such as UPDM, UAF, DoDAF, and NAF;
• Experience leading proposal development and research initiatives;
• Experience mentoring graduate students, engineers, or research staff;
• Knowledge of Digital Engineering, Digital Threads, and Digital Twins; and
• Familiarity with ontologies, semantic models, and knowledge graphs.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Research Scientist, Advanced Model-Based Systems Engineering and Systems of Systems Engineering at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information; and upload a cover letter, CV, and research statement for review.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Posting Open Date: November 9, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: November 20. 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

A Force for Innovation in the Heart of Northern Virginia's Technology Corridor

About the College:

The College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) at George Mason University is a fast-growing force for innovation in research and education. Ranked nationally in the top 100 in both undergraduate and graduate education, the CEC has more than 11,000 students in fall 2025. The college has 34 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degree programs including several first-in-the-nation offerings. Of its 326 instructional faculty, 100 are tenured, 64 are tenure-track, 100 are term faculty, and 62 are research faculty. As part of a nationally ranked research university, CEC research teams expended $83.7 million in sponsored research awards in the past year and had projects with over $66.8 million in awards. The college stands out for its leading research in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics engineering, cybersecurity engineering, biomedical imaging and devices, healthcare, autonomous systems, 5G/Next G communications, systems architectures, computational biomedicine, advanced materials and manufacturing, sustainable infrastructure, and more. The college encourages and supports multidisciplinary research and provides ample opportunities for faculty to work with other disciplines.

About the University and the Region:

George Mason University is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, with an enrollment of more than 40,000 students studying in over 200 degree programs. Mason is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in a range of academic fields. It was classified as an R1 research institution in 2016 by the Carnegie Classifications of Institutes of Higher Education. The university has campuses in Fairfax, Arlington, and Prince William County. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. provides unmatched geographical access to federal agencies and national laboratories. Northern Virginia is also home to one of the largest concentrations of high-tech firms in the nation, providing excellent opportunities for interaction with industry. The region is consistently rated as being among the best places to live in the country and has an outstanding local public school system.

About the Future:

In conjunction with Amazon’s decision to establish a second headquarters in Northern Virginia, the Commonwealth of Virginia announced a multi-year plan to invest in the growth of degree programs in computing. As a result, George Mason has committed to accelerating its plans to grow its capacity in computing and high-tech fields. Among the university’s exciting initiatives are the launch of the Institute for Digital Innovation - a university think tank and incubator to serve the digital economy - and the expansion of Mason Square home to its Arlington facilities. In 2025, Fuse, a new 355,000 square foot building, opened to students, faculty, and research teams. This net-zero facility will house the Institute for Digital Innovation, state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and collaborative spaces. It will also include retail space, and leasing opportunities for local businesses. These initiatives reflect hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment by George Mason that will rapidly elevate the university’s already leading national position in computing and related areas.