Systems Engineer

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

JOID assists the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in developing leading edge technologies to counter WMD in support of Combatant Commands (CCMDs) and transitioning these technologies to military services CCMDs. SPA provides expertise across the full range of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) WMD, Counter Improvised Threat and Countering Threat Network technologies to support understanding, detection, identification, characterization, denial, control, disabling, defeating, disposing, safeguarding the force, managing consequences, and test and evaluation in support of military and civilian operations.

We have an immediate need for a Systems, Mechanical, or Structural Engineer to provide onsite support out of DTRA HQ in Lorton, VA.

Responsibilities

Provide support to DTRA Counter WMD Technologies (CX) Department, Hardened and Deeply Buried Targets (CXH) Division. The candidate will join a cross-functional team of interdisciplinary technical SMEs supporting DTRA program managers, performers, and customers in the development, demonstration, and transition of advantageous capabilities. Will support systems development, assessment, and refinement from concept formulation through implementation, operation, and disposal. Employ interdisciplinary techniques to define and evaluate systems functionality including operational concepts, requirements definition, system architecture definition and development, analysis of alternatives, modeling and simulation, element integration, predictive measures, technical evaluation, detailed design and production, risk assessment, cost analysis, test and evaluation, and process improvement. Identify potential problems and evaluate compensatory system designs using quantitative methods and scientific analyses to predict and measure outcomes and consequences. Formulate solutions for improving functional effectiveness and operational efficiency by analyzing a system’s elements such as people, hardware, software, facilities, policies, and procedures in an integrated manner. The position is in-person work at the DTRA HQ in Lorton, VA, with the potential for limited telework at the client's discretion. 10-25% travel required.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Systems, Mechanical, Structural Engineering, or a related STEM field
• 2+ years of experience in systems, structural, or mechanical engineering; research and development; testing and evaluation
• Experience in requirements development and management
• Excellent personal initiative and able to work independently and complete tasking with minimum guidance and supervision
• Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office products and use of Teams
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoW Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility

Desired:

• Graduate degree in a Systems, Mechanical, Structural Engineering, or related STEM field
• 2+ years of experience in 3 or more defense-related technology areas such as Energetics; Penetration; Lethality/Survivability; Targeting/Weaponeering; Autonomous Systems; Hypersonics; Additive Manufacturing; Avionics/Vetronics; Safe, Arm, Fuse, Fire (SAFF); Computational Fluid Dynamics/Structural Dynamics; Geology; Sensors; Operational Testing; Data Science; Modeling and Simulation
• Knowledge of the Hard and Deeply Buried Target Defeat mission
• Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
• Active TS/SCI clearance

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $95,000.00/Yr. - USD $115,000.00/Yr. Provide support to DTRA Counter WMD Technologies (CX) Department, Hardened and Deeply Buried Targets (CXH) Division. The candidate will join a cross-functional team of interdisciplinary technical SMEs supporting DTRA program managers, performers, and customers in the development, demonstration, and transition of advantageous capabilities. Will support systems development, assessment, and refinement from concept formulation through implementation, operation, and disposal. Employ interdisciplinary techniques to define and evaluate systems functionality including operational concepts, requirements definition, system architecture definition and development, analysis of alternatives, modeling and simulation, element integration, predictive measures, technical evaluation, detailed design and production, risk assessment, cost analysis, test and evaluation, and process improvement. Identify potential problems and evaluate compensatory system designs using quantitative methods and scientific analyses to predict and measure outcomes and consequences. Formulate solutions for improving functional effectiveness and operational efficiency by analyzing a system’s elements such as people, hardware, software, facilities, policies, and procedures in an integrated manner. The position is in-person work at the DTRA HQ in Lorton, VA, with the potential for limited telework at the client's discretion. 10-25% travel required.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Systems, Mechanical, Structural Engineering, or a related STEM field
• 2+ years of experience in systems, structural, or mechanical engineering; research and development; testing and evaluation
• Experience in requirements development and management
• Excellent personal initiative and able to work independently and complete tasking with minimum guidance and supervision
• Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office products and use of Teams
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoW Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility

Desired:

• Graduate degree in a Systems, Mechanical, Structural Engineering, or related STEM field
• 2+ years of experience in 3 or more defense-related technology areas such as Energetics; Penetration; Lethality/Survivability; Targeting/Weaponeering; Autonomous Systems; Hypersonics; Additive Manufacturing; Avionics/Vetronics; Safe, Arm, Fuse, Fire (SAFF); Computational Fluid Dynamics/Structural Dynamics; Geology; Sensors; Operational Testing; Data Science; Modeling and Simulation
• Knowledge of the Hard and Deeply Buried Target Defeat mission
• Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
• Active TS/SCI clearance