Director of Systems Engineering

Red 6 • Denver, CO

51d

About The Position

Red 6 is an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) technology startup leading the way in synthetic air combat training. Our primary technology, supporting our ATARS product, enables pilots to simulate the cognitive challenges of flying while accessing realistic, scalable training in dynamic outdoor environments.

The Role
The Director of Systems Engineering provides strategic and technical leadership for the full lifecycle of complex defense and aerospace technology programs. This role oversees system definition, integration, verification, and validation activities consistent with INCOSE Systems Engineering standards and ensures technical excellence in the execution of advanced development projects across air mission systems.

This individual serves as the primary authority on systems architecture and engineering processes, guiding cross-functional teams from concept through deployment while maintaining compliance with defense industry requirements and customer expectations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10-15+ years of progressive experience in systems engineering within defense, aerospace, or dual-use technology sectors.
• Proven record of leading complex technology development programs through full lifecycle execution.
• Deep understanding of INCOSE Systems Engineering principles, model-based systems engineering, and requirements traceability tools (e.g., Cameo, DOORS, JAMA).
• Experience interfacing with DoD acquisition processes, airworthiness certification, and mission assurance frameworks.
• Strong leadership presence, with demonstrated ability to motivate multidisciplinary engineering teams and deliver under tight schedules.

Nice To Haves

• INCOSE CSEP or ESEP certification.
• Demonstrated expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), including model creation, validation, and tool integration (e.g., SysML, Cameo, Rhapsody, MagicDraw).
• Familiarity with airworthiness certification processes, system reliability analysis, and configuration management practices for defense and aerospace systems.
• Experience with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) for tracking cost, schedule, and performance across complex technical programs.
• Experience with AI/ML-enabled systems, autonomous platforms, or digital engineering ecosystems.
• Familiarity with flight test operations, safety-of-flight criteria, and integration of software-intensive systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead Systems Engineering Execution: Direct the planning and implementation of systems engineering activities across multiple programs, ensuring alignment with INCOSE-defined processes and DoD acquisition frameworks (e.g. ISO/IEC 15288).
• Architecture & Design Oversight: Define system architectures, allocate requirements, and manage interfaces for complex multi-domain systems (hardware, software, and data-driven).
• Lifecycle Management: Oversee all phases of system development - from concept exploration, trade studies, and requirements management to integration, verification, validation, and operational sustainment.
• Process Governance: Establish and continuously improve model-based systems engineering (MBSE), digital engineering, and configuration management practices to ensure repeatable, auditable, and efficient execution.
• Leadership & Team Development: Build, mentor, and inspire a team of systems engineers, analysts, and technical leads. Foster a culture of technical rigor, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Partner with program management, flight operations, software, hardware, and data analytics teams to ensure coherent system performance and successful technical delivery.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the technical liaison for government customers, prime contractors, and industry partners, articulating design decisions, risk mitigations, and technical trade-offs.
• Innovation & Future Readiness: Promote AI, autonomy, and data-centric approaches to enhance decision-making and mission effectiveness in next-generation defense systems.

Benefits

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision (100% coverage for Employees)
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick, paid holidays, and parental leave
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Voluntary Worksite Benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Industry: Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees