Senior Principal Systems Engineer

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Systems Engineer to support the Department of Defense in a mission critical, high visibility, strategic weapons deterrence systems. This role involves providing technical leadership, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and supporting key program milestones in alignment with Department of Defense and Navy Strategic Systems Program guidelines. This position is fully onsite in Rockville, MD.

Responsibilities of the Senior Systems Engineer:

• Lead Systems Engineering Activities across the full acquisition lifecycle: concept, design, development, testing, deployment, and sustainment.
• Facilitate Technical Reviews & Milestones (SRR, PDR, CDR, Milestone A/B/C) ensuring compliance with Navy SSP and DoD 5000 guidelines.
• Develop and Maintain Program Documentation including technical assessments, white papers, decision memos, and acquisition artifacts.
• Coordinate Cross-Functional Teams (hardware, software, cybersecurity, safety, logistics) to ensure system integration and interoperability.
• Conduct Risk Assessments and develop mitigation strategies for technical challenges.
• Provide Strategic Guidance to Navy stakeholders on system architecture, requirements management, and acquisition planning.

Qualifications for the Senior Systems Engineer:

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in DoD systems engineering, with 5+ years supporting ACAT I strategic deterrence programs (e.g., SLBM, ICBM, NC3).
• Deep understanding of DoD 5000 Adaptive Acquisition Framework and Navy SSP processes.
• Proficiency in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), requirements management, configuration control, and architecture development.
• Strong knowledge of strategic deterrence systems, nuclear command and control, and associated threat environments.
• Exceptional communication skills for interfacing with senior stakeholders and technical teams.
• Secret clearance with the ability to obtain Top Secret
• The ideal candidate would additionally have an advanced degree in engineering, prior experience as a nuclear-qualified Submarine Officer (preferably SSBN), relevant certifications such as PMP or CAPM, and familiarity with Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP).

Compensation and Benefits:

· $180,000 - $220,000 Dependent on experience

· Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave as required by law, and Holidays.

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Systems Engineering, Technical Lead, Strategic Deterrence, ACAT I, DoD Acquisition, Navy SSP, Submarine Officer, SSBN, Nuclear Qualified, PMP, CAPM, MBSE, Model-Based Systems Engineering, Risk Management, Configuration Management, Requirements Management, System Architecture, Technical Reviews, Milestone A, Milestone B, Milestone C, SRR, PDR, CDR, DoD 5000, Adaptive Acquisition Framework, Weapon Systems, Defense Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Program Management, Technical Oversight, Integration, Interoperability, Lifecycle Management, Acquisition Documentation, White Papers, Technical Assessments, Decision Memos, Cybersecurity, Safety Engineering, Test Engineering, Logistics, Earned Value Management, Acquisition Strategy, Navy Programs, National Security, Command and Control, SLBM, ICBM, Nuclear Command and Control, Defense Technology