Apogee has an exciting new opportunity for a Senior Principal Systems Engineer-Strategic Mission Planning & Execution System SME to support mission-critical software modernization, development, and deployment efforts for the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)/J56
As a Senior Principal Systems Engineer and Subject Matter Expert (SME), you will serve as the chief technical advisor and architect for the Strategic Mission Planning & Execution System (SMPES) portfolio. In this highly critical role, you will lead the technical coordination, design, integration, and implementation of multi-domain command and control (C2) capabilities. You will operate at the intersection of strategic intent and technical execution, serving as a vital liaison to USSTRATCOM and J5 Plans and Policy to ensure nuclear and conventional integration planning systems.
This is a full-time position located on-site at Offutt, Nebraska.
Responsibilities- Technical Coordination & Design Implementation: Manage the end-to-end technical coordination, architectural design, interface integration, and deployment implementation of complex enterprise software and hardware nodes across the SMPES network.
- Operational Technology (OT) Integration: Lead the secure integration and convergence of Operational Technology (OT), tactical communications networks, and mission-critical hardware with next-generation cloud and application layers.
- Technology Assessment & Modernization: Continuously review, evaluate, and assess emerging technologies (such as containerized microservices, AI/ML analytics, and DevSecOps pipelines) to determine their applicability, scaling capacity, and security readiness for the SMPES ecosystem.
- Digital Engineering Integration: Drive the adoption and execution of advanced Digital Engineering practices, leveraging interconnected data models, automated workflows, and robust Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to replace legacy documentation frameworks.
- Strategic Command & J5 Operational Liaison: Serve as the definitive USSTRATCOM and J5 Operations SME. Translate Joint Staff Level I–IV planning requirements, deliberate/adaptive target planning needs, and crisis action response paths into actionable engineering tasks.
- Milestone Review Leadership: Author definitive technical baselines and critical government program milestones with Department of War officials.
Qualifications
Minimum Experience:
Citizenship: Must be a US citizen Clearance: Must possess an active U.S. Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance with explicit eligibility for Special Access Programs (SAP) and Nuclear Command and Control (NC2) Certifications:Education: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline (Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Aerospace/Electrical Engineering) Years of Experience: 8+ years of advanced systems engineering experience to include:
- Experience as an SMPES SME with deep, hands-on knowledge of its core integrated components, such as the Integrated Strategic Planning & Analysis Network (ISPAN), Nuclear Planning & Execution System (NPES), and Global Adaptive Planning Collaborative Information Environment (GAP CIE).
- Extensive background supporting USSTRATCOM mission sets, including strategic deterrence operations, conventional integration, and working alongside J5 operational planners to implement national defense strategies.
- Demonstrated proficiency utilizing modern digital engineering architectures, configuration-as-code principles, and requirements tracking platforms (e.g., DOORS, Cameo Systems Modeler, or Confluence).
Additional InformationLocation: Offutt AFB, NEOn-site/Hybrid/Remote: On-SiteTravel: 10%
Skills Required
- U.S. citizenship
- Active U.S. Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance
- Explicit eligibility for Special Access Programs and Nuclear Command and Control
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline such as systems engineering, computer science, aerospace engineering, or electrical engineering
- 8 or more years of advanced systems engineering experience
- Deep hands-on SMPES SME experience, including ISPAN, NPES, and GAP CIE
- Experience supporting USSTRATCOM mission sets, strategic deterrence operations, conventional integration, and J5 operational planners
- Proficiency with digital engineering architectures, configuration-as-code, and requirements tracking platforms such as DOORS, Cameo Systems Modeler, or Confluence
What We Do
Apogee Engineering was founded on the commitment of making a positive difference regardless of venue, agenda or personality. This commitment, infused with integrity and a passion for excellence, has propelled Apogee Engineering into the ranks of an elite small business company, known for unwavering dedication to their client’s success, a warm and family-like work environment, and an enthusiasm to providing the right solution at the right time. If you are interested in joining Apogee Engineering and have a reputation for providing innovative ideas and solutions, are willing to lift and mentor, and are dedicated to professional client support, we are interested in meeting you
