Lead Systems Engineer

Position Title: Lead Systems Engineer
Position Type: Full-time, On-Site
Location: Huntsville, AL
Clearance: Active Secret
Travel: Up to 25%

Waypoint's client is seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to provide systems engineering expertise in support of the Short and Intermediate Effectors for Layered Defense (SHIELD) Program Office. This role supports missile defense initiatives within the SHIELD portfolio, providing technical leadership, integration support, and engineering oversight across system development and sustainment efforts.

The selected candidate will serve as a subject matter expert to Product Managers, Deputy Product Managers, and Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) leadership, ensuring alignment with systems engineering processes, technical requirements, and mission objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the LPWS Lead Systems Engineer supporting SHIELD program initiatives.
• Lead and support systems engineering teams in planning, directing, and coordinating analytical, architectural, standards, and modernization efforts.
• Support integration of SHIELD products with sensor and command & control (C2) networks.
• Provide technical support for system development and sustainment activities, including obsolescence management and material release processes.
• Act as a systems engineering consultant to SHIELD Product Managers, Deputy Product Managers, and SE&I leadership.
• Provide technical expertise in the development of plans, designs, and specifications for air and missile defense programs.
• Perform critical analysis of missile and launcher systems and subsystems to support engineering decisions.
• Identify program risks, conduct risk analysis, and develop and monitor risk mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate with technical experts and stakeholders to support system engineering activities and program execution.

Required:

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Active Secret clearance.
• Minimum education: High School diploma (higher degrees preferred).
• Minimum years of experience: 23+ years with High School diploma, 21+ years with Associate's degree, 20+ years with Bachelor's degree, 18+ years with Master's degree
• Experience applying systems engineering processes and methodologies.
• Experience supporting air and missile defense systems, missile systems, or related defense programs.
• Experience supporting system integration efforts, including sensors and command & control systems.
• Experience performing technical analysis, risk identification, and mitigation planning.

Desired:

• Experience supporting Army Air and Missile Defense programs or SHIELD-related efforts.
• Experience with LPWS (Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System) or similar systems.
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition lifecycle and systems engineering documentation.
• Experience supporting system sustainment, obsolescence management, and modernization efforts.
• Experience working within Program Executive Office (PEO) environments.