Systems Engineer IV
Job description
About the role
This position advances modeling, simulation, and control engineering specifically for defense, national security, and space programs. The Systems Engineer IV will develop high-fidelity models and control algorithms while validating system behavior to ensure alignment with program objectives. You will support program execution by working directly with multidisciplinary teams and engaging with Department of Defense customers. The role requires applying systems engineering principles across the entire project lifecycle to close technical gaps. You will own critical analysis activities that influence design decisions and trade studies for complex engineering challenges. Collaboration with experts from various domains will be essential to integrate solutions and resolve interdisciplinary issues. Effective communication will translate intricate technical concepts into clear narratives for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Key facts
What you'll do
Propulsion and solid rocket motor modeling quantifies performance to guide design decisions and trade studies.
System behavior under perturbations is assessed through controllability studies to validate control strategies.
Control system architectures are defined, and gain tuning approaches are supported to meet program targets across varied structures.
Mission concepts of operations are developed with customers through propulsion system modeling and controls design.
State-space and modern control methods are extended to strengthen modeling capability and support verification activities.
Models and simulations are integrated by multidisciplinary teams including GNC, software, systems, and test to ensure alignment and traceability.
Requirements are analyzed and decomposed into technical tasks that guide the development and validation of system components.
System safety and reliability analyses are performed to identify failure modes and inform robust design choices.
Verification and validation activities are planned and executed to confirm that models and simulations meet program specifications.
Technical documentation is produced to capture design rationales, analysis results, and verification evidence for audits and reviews.
Stakeholder communication is managed to align technical progress with mission objectives and customer expectations.
Complex engineering problems are broken down into manageable tasks that enable efficient resolution across teams.
Process improvements are proposed and implemented to enhance modeling, simulation, and control workflows.
Cross-functional coordination is maintained to ensure consistency between models, software, and hardware integration efforts.
Continuous learning is applied to adopt new methods and tools that improve the quality and efficiency of engineering deliverables.
Requirements
An active DoD Secret Clearance must be obtained and maintained as a condition of employment.
Engineering tasks across lifecycle phases - from requirements through verification and delivery - are led effectively to closure.
Systems thinking and the ability to work across functional boundaries with diverse teams are demonstrated.
Leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills are effective with a mission-driven mindset focused on national security objectives.
A solid technical foundation in modeling, control systems, and dynamic system behavior exists for complex engineering environments.
DoD customers are interfaced with, and team decision-making on challenging technical problems is supported under tight schedules.
Technical rigor, quality execution, and continuous improvement are committed to across all engineering activities.
Stakeholder engagement, technical risk identification, and collaborative problem solving with cross-functional ownership are skilled.
A Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related STEM field is required.
An active understanding of modeling, simulation, and control engineering practices is necessary for success in this role.
The capability to interpret technical documents and translate requirements into executable tasks is essential.
Strong written and verbal communication skills are required to convey technical information clearly.
The ability to manage multiple priorities and deliverables in a deadline-driven environment is mandatory.
U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or equivalent eligibility for required authorizations is mandatory.
Secure or classified environments are worked in with strict compliance standards.
Practical notes
citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or equivalent eligibility for required authorizations is mandatory. Secure or classified environments are worked in with strict compliance standards. Typical interview steps
Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.
Good to know
Modeling, simulation, and control engineering roles typically use MATLAB, Simulink, Python, and related toolchains for development and analysis. Physics-based modeling and multi-domain simulation support analysis across mechanical, thermal, and aerodynamic domains. SysML and related modeling languages describe product structure, behavior, logic, processes, and test execution. Clear technical communication and structured documentation ensure traceability and alignment with program requirements.