System Assessment Senior Systems Engineer (Job ID: 4665)

Valkyrie•Huntsville, AL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Valkyrie Enterprises seeks a System Assessment Senior Systems Engineer to work in Huntsville, Alabama, within the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) System Assessment Directorate. The role spans engineering, ground and flight testing, and Missile Defense System element programs, including weapons systems and sensors. Employment is contingent upon prime contractor approval. The engineer develops and communicates assessment requirements for ground and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing; coordinates strategic ground tests with MDA, non-MDA partners, and combatant command stakeholders; and works with assessment and analysis engineers to define technical data needs supporting system fielding decisions. The role also supports threat requirements for high-fidelity modeling and simulation, integrates element software deliveries, and synchronizes element participation for test readiness and execution. The position contributes to engineering milestones and technical reviews, identifies design considerations and risks, and recommends mitigations. It leads or supports technical interchange meetings, tracks actions and issues, prepares executive-level briefings and technical documents, and represents the Government customer in integrated product teams, working groups, and senior technical forums. Travel, including international travel, may be required; occasional travel may be up to 10%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (engineering, mathematics, or science).
At least 12 years of relevant systems engineering or technical experience on missile-defense-related programs.
Understanding of MDA systems engineering processes and procedures.
Understanding of system architecture and the HWIL framework.
Experience with MDA system elements such as Patriot, THAAD, Aegis, or C2BMC.
Familiarity with secure development practices and configuration management.
Ability to operate independently and communicate effectively across diverse technical teams.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, short-timeline environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Project.
Skill in developing and delivering technical briefings to senior decision-makers.
Must be a U.S. citizen and possess an active DoW Secret clearance.
If travel by domestic flight or access to secure federal facilities or military bases is required, ability to obtain appropriate identification credentials, such as REAL ID, by the start of the position and maintain them.
Ability to remain stationary, often standing or sitting, for prolonged periods; sit and work at a computer for long periods; move about to accomplish tasks or move between worksites; communicate to exchange information; and perform light work involving objects up to 20 pounds.
Successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, which may include background investigation, employment and education verification, drug screening, driving record review, security clearance eligibility, and government installation access.

Nice To Haves

Preferred background that includes systems engineering practices.
Understanding of MDA engineering processes and procedures.
Master’s degree in a STEM field.
Top Secret clearance and SCI eligibility preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and communicate assessment requirements for ground and HWIL testing to evaluate Missile Defense System capabilities and functional performance.
Coordinate with MDA, non-MDA partners, and COCOM stakeholders to plan strategic ground tests and ensure operationally realistic scenarios.
Collaborate with Assessment and Analysis engineers to define technical data needs and provide evidence for system fielding decisions.
Work with the Threat Management Center to establish threat requirements for high-fidelity modeling and simulation.
Track and integrate element software deliveries to support ground test readiness and event execution.
Plan, schedule, and synchronize element participation with the Test Group for seamless test integration.
Participate in engineering milestones, including EIPRs, Warfighter Academics, and MDRs, to validate technical accuracy and system readiness.
Identify system design considerations and risk areas, and recommend mitigation strategies to leadership.
Lead or support Technical Interchange Meetings, coordinate actions, and maintain issue and watch-item tracking.
Prepare executive-level briefings, technical papers, and formal correspondence for senior leaders, including Flag and SES personnel.
Participate in high-level reviews and deliver reporting products documenting assessment gaps, limitations, and technical progress.
Represent the Government customer in IPTs, working groups, and senior technical forums to ensure alignment with MDA objectives.
Travel when required, potentially including international locations and occasional travel of up to 10%.