Systems Engineer III

About the role

The role provides engineering leadership, technical coordination, and planning support for defense-related programs while operating with moderate supervision and demonstrating increased independence in managing day-to-day engineering tasks. The engineer acts as a key technical liaison between disciplines, program management, suppliers, and stakeholders to help ensure technical objectives, schedules, and deliverables are achieved in accordance with program goals. This position supports the technical planning and execution of assigned defense and aerospace engineering projects through the full lifecycle from requirements definition to verification and delivery. The individual will coordinate basic engineering inputs across disciplines including mechanical, electrical, systems, and software while assisting with trade studies, hardware procurement planning, and make/buy analyses. The position requires proactive communication with cross-functional Integrated Product Teams and customer interaction during design reviews and stakeholder coordination.

Key facts

What you'll do

Support the technical planning and execution of assigned defense and aerospace engineering projects.

Assist in the development and maintenance of integrated master schedules as well as inchstone plans and work packages in coordination with program and engineering teams.

Participate in and support cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to ensure effective collaboration across disciplines.

Coordinate basic engineering inputs across disciplines including mechanical, electrical, systems, and software.

Assist with identification and tracking of program risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.

Contribute to the development of engineering project plans and integration activities to align with program objectives.

Help develop and maintain statements of work (SOWs) and support subcontract management activities.

Assist in trade studies, hardware procurement planning, and make/buy analyses to support decision-making.

Support preparation for and participation in design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and customer meetings as required.

Draft and review engineering documentation including test plans, ECNs, and interface documentation for accuracy and compliance.

Ensure adherence to program deliverables, CDRLs, and contract requirements under guidance and established processes.

Perform engineering analyses and evaluations to support system performance and mission objectives.

Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to resolve technical issues and ensure deliverable quality.

Apply systems engineering methodologies and processes within the DoD acquisition framework and relevant standards.

Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance engineering processes and project outcomes.

Requirements

Must have or be able to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Clearance prior to engagement.

Proven ability to support engineering projects through the full lifecycle - from requirements definition to verification and delivery.

Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset in team environments.

Solid technical foundation and demonstrated engineering judgment applicable to defense and aerospace systems.

Self-motivated with attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset for operational excellence.

Effective in customer interaction, communication, and basic stakeholder coordination with professional demeanor.

Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a structured, fast-paced engineering environment.

Comfortable working in secure or classified environments as required for program participation.

Nice to have

Prior experience working with cross-functional engineering teams and interacting with government or prime contractors is a plus.

Background in aerospace or defense industry, preferably supporting DoD or MDA programs.

Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) and basic project scheduling tools (IMP/IMS).

Exposure to Control Account Management or similar cost/schedule accountability roles.

Proficient in applying systems engineering methodologies and processes within the DoD acquisition framework (e.g. DoD product development lifecycle, DoD 5000).

Practical notes

Must be able to travel up to 10% for program and customer support as required.

Must be comfortable working in secure or classified environments, as required.

Able to work in a structured, fast-paced engineering environment with shifting priorities.

Capable of supporting multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and deadlines.

Eligibility and hard bars

Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical, electrical engineering, or related STEM field from an accredited college/university.

A Master's degree in systems engineering or a related discipline may substitute for 1 year of experience from an accredited institution.

Must be able to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Clearance.

Minimum of 4-7 years of experience in project engineering, systems engineering, or related technical discipline.

Proven track record supporting engineering projects through full lifecycle in defense or aerospace environments.

Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Ability to understand and apply systems engineering processes within DoD acquisition guidelines.

Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, and Project for documentation and planning.

Nice to have

Preference for candidates with experience in Earned Value Management (EVM) and project scheduling tools.

Exposure to Control Account Management and cost/schedule accountability roles.

Experience working within the DoD acquisition framework and compliance with export regulations including ITAR.

Practical notes

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3).

Compensation details

Pay transparency is provided for California and Nevada locations.

California pay range: $93,000 - $134,000 USD.

Nevada pay range: $93,000 - $134,000 USD.

Application instructions

Please click "Apply" to submit your application and required documentation.

Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package including flexible time off, comprehensive medical coverage, wellness programs, and retirement benefits.

This position requires the ability to work in secure environments and may involve travel to customer or program sites.

All employees are expected to uphold Voyager's commitment to quality, accountability, and mission-focused teamwork.