Sr. Systems Engineering & Technical PM SME - (Dayton, OH)

Position Description & Qualifications

Serco is seeking a Senior Systems Engineering & Technical Program Management SME to support high-visibility Department of Defense (DoD), Air Force, Space Force, and Intelligence Community programs.

This role provides executive-level advisory support across advanced weapon system acquisition, modernization, and integration efforts, with a focus on delivering mission-critical capabilities to the warfighter. The candidate will operate as a trusted advisor to Program Executive Officers (PEOs), Chief Engineers, and senior government leaders, supporting strategic planning, acquisition execution, systems engineering rigor, and portfolio-level decision-making.

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience across ACAT I/II programs, Science & Technology (S&T) portfolios, rapid acquisition environments, and classified programs, with demonstrated success leading large-scale modernization and integration efforts valued at multi-billion-dollar levels.

In this role, you will:

• Provide senior-level advisory support on weapon system acquisition, systems engineering, and technical program execution across DoD and IC programs.
• Lead or support Systems Engineering and Technical Reviews (SETRs), technical baseline management, and system design maturity assessments.
• Advise senior government leadership on acquisition strategy, technical risk, and capability delivery timelines.
• Develop and align technology roadmaps, mission engineering approaches, and capability transition strategies.
• Support portfolio-level planning and investment decisions across Science & Technology and acquisition programs.
• Direct or support requirements development, configuration management, and developmental test & evaluation (DT&E) activities.
• Identify and mitigate technical, integration, interoperability, and schedule risks across complex programs.
• Facilitate coordination across engineering, acquisition, test, logistics, and operational stakeholders.
• Provide oversight and evaluation of contractor technical artifacts, system designs, and performance metrics.
• Support rapid acquisition, prototyping, and advanced capability transition efforts.
• Develop and deliver executive-level briefings and decision support materials for senior DoD and multinational stakeholders.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Active TS/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph
  • U.S Citizenship required
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical discipline
• Minimum 15 years of experience supporting DoD acquisition, systems engineering, or technical program management
• Demonstrated expertise in:
  • Aircraft, Space, and Weapon system acquisition and modernization
  • Systems Engineering & Technical Reviews (SETRs)
  • Technical baseline and requirements management
  • Risk management and system integration
• Experience supporting Air Force, Space Force, NATO, or Intelligence Community programs
• Proven ability to advise SES, Flag Officers, PEOs, and senior acquisition leaders
• Experience supporting classified or SAP/SCI programs
• Ability to travel up to 10%

Additional desired experience and skills:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field
• DAWIA Certifications in Engineering, Program Management, or Test & Evaluation
• Experience supporting:
• Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) or S&T organizations
• Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) or similar rapid acquisition environments
• NATO or multinational acquisition programs
• Experience with advanced prototyping, mission engineering, and digital engineering approaches
• Prior experience leading large-scale portfolios, research organizations, or integration IPTs
• Experience driving technology transition from S&T to Programs of Record

Technical & Functional Expertise

• Systems Engineering (SETRs, requirements, architecture, integration)
• DoD Acquisition Lifecycle (DoDI 5000 series, rapid pathways)
• Weapon System Modernization & Integration
• Risk & Opportunity Management
• Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E)
• Technical Baseline & Configuration Management
• Mission Engineering & Capability Roadmapping
• Software and Systems Integration (including multinational environments)
• Executive-Level Stakeholder Engagement

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership & Advisory
• Complex Problem Solving
• Technical Risk Assessment
• Cross-Functional Integration
• Acquisition Strategy Execution
• Communication & Executive Briefing

Company Overview

Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco's 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters.

To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer . If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: careers@serco-na.com or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email.

Candidates may be asked to present proof of identify during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice.

Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email Agencies@serco-na.com .

Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Pay Transparency

Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance-so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities. Benefits - Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time employees receive a limited package tailored to their role):

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract
• 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Plan

To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us .

Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco's external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: careers@serco-na.com .