Lead Systems Engineer

Caliola Engineering, LLC•Colorado Springs, CO

4d•$135 - $170•Onsite

About The Position

Caliola is seeking an experienced, technically driven Lead Systems Engineer to design, develop, and deliver advanced communications solutions for mission-critical defense programs. The role owns systems engineering activities across the program lifecycle, including requirements definition, system architecture, integration, verification, and validation. The engineer works with hardware, software, and other technical teams to address complex engineering challenges, evaluate design alternatives, and ensure communications systems meet performance requirements and operational needs. The position calls for strong systems engineering expertise, sound technical judgment, and the ability to work independently and collaborate across disciplines. The Lead Systems Engineer will drive technical solutions, influence system design decisions, identify and mitigate risks, and help establish effective systems engineering practices as programs grow. The role is based on-site in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with limited remote work flexibility, and may require occasional travel.

Requirements

Current Department of War security clearance at the Secret level or higher.
At least 8 years of directly relevant professional experience in systems engineering.
Bachelor's degree or higher in systems engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related discipline.
Demonstrated systems engineering experience with communications systems, including RF, wireless, satellite, or related communications technologies.
Demonstrated experience with system integration, requirements verification, and validation, including developing test plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria.
Advanced knowledge of systems engineering processes, methodologies, and tools, including requirements management, system architecture, integration, verification, and validation.
Ability to independently execute systems engineering activities, evaluate complex technical challenges, and provide sound engineering recommendations within defense-related programs.
Experience conducting system-level trade studies, performance analyses, and technical risk assessments to inform engineering decisions.
Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with technical teams and internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver accurate, high-quality work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Occasional travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
Experience with RF performance analysis, communications system modeling, link budgets, or related technical analyses.

Responsibilities

Define, analyze, document, and maintain system requirements and traceability.
Allocate requirements to hardware, software, and subsystems, maintaining traceability through verification evidence.
Manage requirements throughout the program lifecycle and assess proposed changes for technical, cost, schedule, and verification impacts.
Develop and evaluate system architectures, lead systems engineering technical planning, and provide technical input during design reviews.
Develop and maintain system-level technical budgets and engineering metrics.
Conduct trade studies and engineering analyses to recommend solutions balancing performance, cost, schedule, reliability, and technical risk.
Develop verification matrices, test plans, procedures, and acceptance criteria; document results and maintain objective evidence of requirement compliance.
Validate system performance against intended operational use and customer needs, including representative operating conditions.
Coordinate systems engineering activities across hardware, software, and other technical disciplines to ensure successful integration and technical alignment.
Develop and maintain systems engineering documentation and technical artifacts.
Communicate technical findings, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders.
Participate in customer and supplier technical discussions and document decisions, commitments, and action items.
Provide systems engineering expertise for technical proposals, vendor evaluations, program planning, and engineering estimates.
Contribute to continuous improvement of systems engineering processes and practices.
Identify, assess, and track technical risks; develop mitigation actions and escalate issues exceeding assigned authority.