The Role
Senior Systems Engineer supporting AWACS modernization through systems engineering, requirements analysis, architecture, technical reviews, trade studies, risk and configuration management, system validation, modeling and simulation, and technical documentation. The role supports DoD and Air Force acquisition, development, integration, sustainment, deployment, and operations activities, collaborating with government personnel and defense contractors. It requires an active Secret clearance, U.S. citizenship, 12+ years of general experience, 5+ years in the DoD sector, and 20% travel.
Summary Generated by Built In
Expertise and Functions
- Conduct comprehensive program portfolio reviews to evaluate and recommend alternative plans, enhance systems engineering processes, manage and sustain technical baselines, and design/perform system-level tests to ensure subsystem and system performance aligns with approved specifications.
- Review and evaluate alternative plans, systems engineering programs, designs, and test results to verify subsystem and system performance compliance with program specifications.
- Prepare technical documentation defining and recommending system/subsystem characteristics, management reports, and technical presentations for planning, implementation, and corrective actions, applying engineering economy principles.
- Perform system validations, including criteria and procedure development, and analyze/evaluate major engineering system results.
- Provide engineering, technical support, and training for programs/initiatives, including acquisition, development, integration, sustainment, evolution, deployment, fielding, installation, and operations oversight.
- Support risk management activities in alignment with Air Force Systems Engineering Assessment Model (AF SEAM) processes.
- Conduct formal trade studies considering engineering performance, effectiveness, cost-performance balance, lifecycle cost, reliability, maintainability, risk, and schedule.
- Offer technical recommendations through reviews, studies, audits, evaluations, analyses, procedural guidance, and documentation, supporting engineering Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).
- Analyze proposals to compare and quantify technical feasibility, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness of proposed systems and components.
- Review and analyze key documents, including Initial Capabilities Documents (ICDs), Capability Development Documents (CDDs), Capability Production Documents (CPDs), and Analyses of Alternatives (AoAs).
- Conduct assessments of military utility, operational concepts (CONOPs), technology development strategies, functional configuration audits (FCAs), physical configuration audits (PCAs), and technology standards profiles.
- Analyze system concepts and user requirements entered into system requirements baselines (functional, allocated, and product).
- Assist in material solution analysis, technology development, engineering, manufacturing, production, deployment, and operations support.
- Provide support for engineering technical processes, including version/configuration control, requirements analysis, architecture design, implementation, integration, verification, validation, and decision analysis.
- Perform risk, configuration, technical data, and interface management, as well as technical planning and assessments.
- Support planning and execution of technical reviews (e.g., System Requirements Review, Technology Readiness Assessments) and develop associated documentation (e.g., Systems Engineering Plan, Risk Management Plan).
- Develop systems engineering documentation, ensuring understanding of systems-of-systems interactions, configuration management, technical data packages, and acquisition/sustainment engineering processes.
- Prepare and review system and subsystem technical documentation, requirements, and engineering analyses for E‑3/E‑7 AWACS platforms.
- Develop and recommend system characteristics, interface definitions, and technical approaches aligned with DoD and Air Force engineering and cybersecurity policies.
- Support modeling and simulation activities, including Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), Systems Engineering Plans (SEP), and architecture documentation for planned and existing systems.
- Produce technical presentations, engineering reports, and corrective‑action documentation applying established engineering economy principles.
- Conduct system capability evaluations, performance analyses, and subsystem studies to inform government decision‑making.
- Utilize Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Agile collaboration tools to manage engineering data, documentation, and workflow.
- Review requirements for compliance with system, cybersecurity, and Air Force policy deliverables, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Collaborate effectively with government personnel, military members, and multiple major defense contractors supporting AWACS modernization.
- Communicate complex technical concepts clearly in briefings, presentations, and stakeholder discussions.
- Demonstrate strong teamwork skills when coordinating with the E‑7 engineering team on modeling, simulation, and requirements development.
- Apply sound judgment and problem‑solving skills when evaluating system issues and recommending corrective actions.
- Manage time effectively, balancing documentation, requirements analysis, and engineering support tasks across geographically distributed teams.
- Engage constructively with diverse stakeholders, fostering productive communication across technical, programmatic, and contractor groups
- Other duties as assigned
RequirementsEducation/Training:
- Bachelor’s Degree required
- 12+ years of general experience
- 5+ years working in the DoD sector
- Must be a US citizen
- Must have an active Secret clearance
- Able to occasionally reach with hands and arms
- Prolonged periods of computer screen use, while sitting or standing at a desk
- Adhere to safety protocols when in work areas requiring use of PPE (e.g. eyewear, gloves, masks, hearing protection, steel toed shoes, etc.)
- Able to safely lift and carry up to 20 pounds at a time
Benefits
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
- Short Term & Long Term Disability
- Training & Development
- Wellness Resources
Salary:
The projected salary range for this position is $96,000-$113,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation, rather actual salary will be based on experience, qualifications, and applicable certifications or degrees held. Offered salary may fall outside of this range.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- 12+ years of general experience
- 5+ years of experience working in the DoD sector
- U.S. citizenship
- Active Secret security clearance
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The Company
What We Do
KIHOMAC is an aerospace and defense acquisition and technology company. Founded in 2003, KIHOMAC is a Veteran-Owned Small Business that provides system acquisition and life cycle management support to government agencies.









