Software Engineer III - SMPES SME

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 Information
Location: Offutt AFB, NE
On-site/Hybrid/Remote: On-Site
Travel: 10%