Director, SEIT Missile Defense

YOUR MISSION

RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Director of SEIT is responsible for the end-to-end systems engineering, integration, and test execution for the Missile Defense program, with a strong emphasis on test-informed system design, operational realism, and fielding discipline. This role is intentionally oriented toward candidates with deep experience in test, integration, flight test, or operational deployment of new systems, who bring a practical, evidence-driven approach to systems engineering rather than a purely process- or documentation-focused background. 

In this role, the Director ensures that the system is not only well-defined on paper, but demonstrably buildable, testable, operable, and ready for progressively complex demonstrations culminating in full-system missions. The position oversees system requirements development, integrated test planning and execution, and the management of critical system budgets such as mass, power, and margins, using test results and operational insights as primary inputs to system closure. This leader will work across all technical disciplines to ensure that system decisions are grounded in test data, integration experience, and an understanding of how systems actually fail in the field. 

The Director will own the overall program risk management process, integrating technical, test, manufacturing, and operational risks into a coherent system-level risk posture. This role is accountable for identifying where verification is sufficient, where additional test or operational mitigation is required, and where risk can be consciously accepted in service of demonstration objectives. Acting as the connective tissue between engineering intent and mission execution, this leader represents the system in readiness reviews, test reviews, and mission authorization forums, providing leadership with a clear-eyed assessment of system maturity and readiness to fly. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required Qualifications & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field. 

• 10+ years of experience in aerospace systems development with significant time spent in test, integration, flight test, or operational roles. 

• Demonstrated experience fielding new or first-of-kind systems, prototypes, or flight articles. 

• Hands-on experience planning, executing, or supporting system-level tests or flight demonstrations. 

• Working knowledge of systems engineering principles, applied pragmatically to support test and mission execution. 

• Experience managing system-level budgets (mass, power, margins) in a test- or flight-driven development environment. 

• Proven ability to assess system readiness based on evidence, not just documentation. 

• Strong leadership and communication skills, with experience briefing readiness and risk to senior leadership. 

Desired Qualifications & Experience 

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant technical discipline. 

• Experience with missile defense systems, interceptors, spacecraft, or other high-consequence aerospace systems. 

• Background in flight test, mission operations, launch operations, or system deployment. 

• Familiarity with DoW or U.S. Space Force programs, especially rapid prototyping or demonstration-based efforts. 

• Experience integrating hardware, software, and operations across distributed teams. 

• Exposure to model-based systems engineering (MBSE) used as a support tool, not a substitute for test insight. 

• Experience working on classified programs and handling controlled technical data. 

• Prior role bridging engineering and operations (e.g., Chief Test Engineer, Lead Integrator, Mission Systems Lead). 

COMPENSATION  

• Base Salary: Long Beach- $185,000-$260,000, Denver- $175,000- $250,000 

• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave 

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education and experience. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location—Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Colorado Springs. While we observe a hybrid work environment, some work must be done on site.
• Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Hybrid