C2/Fire Control Principal Engineer

The Mitre Corporation•Huntsville, AL

8d•$162,400 - $243,600•Onsite

About The Position

MITRE’s N261 Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Weapons Systems Engineering Department is seeking a Principal Strategic Missile Defense Systems/C2 Fire Control Engineer to support the MDA Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) strategic defense weapon system and the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI), which will replace the legacy Ground Based Interceptors (GBI). The position conducts and helps lead technical analysis of current and emerging sensors and radars, C2BMC integration, NGI integration with the Ground Weapons System (GWS), and GMD C2/Fire Control (GFC) capabilities. Work includes trade studies, deep-dive analyses, algorithm development and assessment, interface assessments, and technical reviews, with the goal of resolving system-of-systems capability gaps and advising the government sponsor and technical teams. The engineer leads and executes key elements of GMD development focused on engagement planning, engagement management, and fire control algorithm assessment. The work supports readiness for mixed-fleet planning involving Ground Based Interceptors and NGI, and includes advising the Ground Weapons System Chief Engineer and senior GMD technical leaders. Through data-driven architecture analyses, capability gap assessments, technology opportunity assessments, and resource considerations, the engineer develops actionable recommendations to inform technical priorities and future investments. The role plans and leads technical analysis, derives findings from modeling and simulation, advises sponsors on system engineering topics, and coordinates with government directorates, MITRE staff, SETA staff, FFRDCs, UARCs, other government agencies, and prime contractors. It also leads technical reviews, workshops, industry engagements, and cross-functional working groups, and prepares executive-level briefings and decision-support products for senior GMD leaders, including SES and Flag Officer stakeholders. The position requires a minimum of four days per week on-site.

Requirements

B.S. or M.S. degree in a STEM field with at least 10 years of related experience for a B.S., 8 years for an M.S., or 5 years for a Ph.D.
Related experience in applied systems engineering, analysis, and/or fire control algorithm development, with relevant missile defense domain knowledge and technical skills in missile and space systems.
Experience with DoW missile and space systems development, including assessing systems against performance requirements, conducting trade studies, and supporting flight tests.
Experience collaborating with diverse technical and non-technical stakeholders to develop integrated assessments, recommendations, and strategic outcomes.
Experience working with FFRDCs or UARCs.
Ability to independently lead or conduct complex technical analyses, assess alternatives, evaluate risks and opportunities, and develop actionable recommendations for senior decision-makers.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate future fire control algorithms, engagement management schemas, emerging technologies, capability gaps, architecture alternatives, and investment options in complex defense enterprises.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including developing and presenting executive-level briefings, technical recommendations, and decision-support products.
Ability to work autonomously and as a team player.
Active Secret U.S. Government-issued security clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance. Must be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for a security clearance.
Must work on-site a minimum of four days per week.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability to develop and assess C2/fire control algorithms, including deep-dive performance analyses.
Detailed knowledge of GMD Fire Control (GFC), Command Control Battle Management and Communication (C2BMC), and the Ballistic Missile Defense System Track (BST).
Advanced experience using Python and MATLAB.
Continued learning and active engagement with academia and industry to maintain knowledge of battle management and fire control technologies and strategies, and a desire to remain hands-on.
Experience supporting the GMD program, especially fire control or engagement management planning and development, including architecture development, mission engineering, systems engineering, or resource planning.
Experience developing executive-level briefings, strategic technical recommendations, and decision-support products for SES, General Officer, and Flag Officer audiences.
Experience integrating AI/ML into fire control algorithms.
Active DoW Top Secret/SCI clearance.
Engagement with industry, academia, FFRDCs, UARCs, National Laboratories, and the broader defense innovation community to identify emerging technologies and mission applications.

Responsibilities

Plan and execute TDA fire control analysis work, lead teams, and develop and present results to the sponsor.
Analyze current and future GMD designs and their integration into the Missile Defense System, use modeling and simulation tools, develop data-driven recommendations, and present findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
Identify project opportunities to expand the technical work portfolio through sponsor and internal engagement.
Lead systems engineering efforts and advise the sponsor on C2/GFC algorithms, MDS performance, interface design, hardware design, operations, requirements, interoperability, and integration concepts and challenges.
Coordinate across sponsor directorates, SETA staff, FFRDCs, UARCs, other government agencies, and prime contractors to support consistent, collaborative efforts.
Lead fire control technical reviews, workshops, industry engagements, technical exchanges, and cross-functional working groups.
Develop executive-level briefings, decision-support products, and strategic recommendations for senior GMD leadership, including SES and Flag Officer stakeholders.
Work with government sponsors and MITRE staff to identify appropriate courses of action and inform decisions.
Share expertise and context to strengthen team capabilities, sponsor value, and continuity.
Conduct and help lead trade studies, deep-dive analyses, algorithm development and assessment, interface assessments, and technical reviews.
Assess engagement planning, engagement management, and fire control algorithms to prepare GMD for mixed-fleet planning involving GBI and NGI.
Advise the Ground Weapons System Chief Engineer and senior GMD technical leaders on GMD’s future direction using architecture analyses, capability gap assessments, technology opportunities, and resource considerations.